This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#24, 2026)
EU adopts €56m in emergency farm support; new rules on forest reproductive material (2026/1392); two CAP funding hearings; legislation on organics, novel foods, rural crisis aid.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
EU adopts €56m in emergency farm support; new rules on forest reproductive material (2026/1392); two CAP funding hearings; legislation on organics, novel foods, rural crisis aid.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On June 29, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 as regards the school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme (‘EU school scheme’), sectoral interventions, the creation of a protein sector, requirements for hemp, the possibility for marketing standards for cheese, protein crops and meat, application of additional import duties, rules on the availability of supplies in time of emergencies and severe crisis and securities; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission mobilises over €56 million in emergency support for farmers hit by climate events
On 21 June 2026, the European Commission announced the mobilisation of more than €56 million in emergency support for farmers in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia adversely affected by extreme weather and natural disasters. The support is sourced from the agricultural reserve under the Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027) and targets sectors including arable crops, fruit and vegetables, wine, olive oil, and livestock. Portugal will receive €30 million, Romania €14.8 million, Cyprus €4.6 million, Croatia €4.4 million, and Slovenia €2.8 million. National authorities may complement these allocations with up to 200% in national co-financing, and payments to producers must be disbursed by 28 February 2027. Member States are required to notify the Commission of implementation details, criteria used, and measures to prevent market distortion.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Entry into force of the Forest Reproductive Material Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2026/1392 on the production and marketing of forest reproductive material was published in OJ L 2026/1392 of 26 June 2026. The regulation repeals Council Directive 1999/105/EC and amends Regulations (EU) 2016/2031 and 2017/625. It introduces uniform rules for approval, certification, traceability, and marketing of forest reproductive material, strengthens requirements for origin and genetic diversity, and updates labelling and contingency planning provisions in line with the European Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy. The new framework applies from 17 July 2031 across the EU.
Implementing Regulation updates organic imports control bodies
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1398 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 as regards recognised control bodies competent to carry out controls and issue organic certificates in third countries, for imports under Regulation (EU) 2018/848. The updated annex lists new control bodies and reflects extended or reduced scopes based on recognition decisions. The new measures enter into force on 29 June 2026.
Amendments to disease control measures for African swine fever
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1409 of 19 June 2026 revises annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. The regulation adapts disease control zones in several Member States, reclassifies restricted areas according to current outbreaks, and delists or reassigns some regions in light of improved or worsened epidemiological situations.
Derogation for import of unrooted Calibrachoa and Petunia cuttings from Uganda
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1376 of 23 June 2026 establishes a temporary derogation to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, permitting the controlled import of unrooted cuttings for planting of Calibrachoa spp., Petunia spp., and their hybrids from Uganda, subject to phytosanitary requirements based on EFSA's 2025 risk assessment. The derogation applies until 31 July 2029.
Amendment regarding novel food Jatropha curcas L. kernels
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1378 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 regarding the authorised use of Jatropha curcas L. (edible variety) kernels as a novel food. The new conditions expand permitted forms and use levels, with data exclusivity granted to Chuta Nut GmbH for five years from 14 July 2026.
Approval of amendment to the product specification of Moules de bouchot (TSG)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1391 of 16 June 2026 approves an amendment to the product specification of the traditional speciality guaranteed 'Moules de bouchot', published following the absence of opposition in the Official Journal.
Decision on amendments to GIs in EU–Iceland agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint Committee (2 June 2026) updates Annex I and Annex II to the EU–Iceland agreement on protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs, reflecting changes in legislation and GIs in both parties.
Registration of 'Brhlovské podlievané buchty' as a PGI
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1418 registers 'Brhlovské podlievané buchty' (PGI) from Slovakia in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
EP Committee Work
AGRI Hearing: New funding structure for the CAP – implications for farmers and national authorities
On 25 June 2026, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) held a public hearing titled 'A new funding structure for the CAP - Consequences for farmers and national authorities'. The agenda included interventions by representatives from the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Farm Europe, the Austrian ministry (CAP strategic plans), Spain’s FEGA (Paying Agency), and the European Commission (DG AGRI). Discussions addressed the operational and budgetary impacts of the revised CAP on direct payments, environmental measures, crisis management, and implementation at national authority level.
ENVI Hearing: Toward an EU Circular Economy Act
The ENVI Committee hosted a public hearing on 'Less waste, more value: Towards an EU Circular Economy Act' on 23 June 2026. Stakeholders and experts, including Janez Potocnik (UNEP IRP), representatives from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Ecoembes, Novamont, and others, debated lessons from current legislation, business engagement, innovations in circularity, and policy priorities for an eventual Circular Economy Act.
What We're Reading This Week
- From double standards to fairness: A turning point for EU food trade policy: EU food trade policy undergoes major reforms to eliminate double standards and promote greater fairness for all trading partners.
