This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#28, 2026)
Parliament adopts fertiliser aid regulation; new animal feed authorisations; African swine fever zones updated; Lebanon PRIMA Agreement finalised; HPAI trade restrictions for US poultry.
July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026
Parliament adopts fertiliser aid regulation; new animal feed authorisations; African swine fever zones updated; Lebanon PRIMA Agreement finalised; HPAI trade restrictions for US poultry.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
CAP fertiliser crisis support and advance payment flexibility: Regulation (EU) 2026/1768
Regulation (EU) 2026/1768 of 14 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 and Regulation (EU) 2021/2116, introducing a specific intervention for exceptional temporary support under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) due to increased fertiliser prices caused by the Middle East crisis. The measure permits more flexible rules for advance payments of direct support for calendar year 2027. Eligible farmers may receive up to 80% compensation for fertiliser price increases, with conditions on maximum support and measures to avoid overcompensation. National financing is capped at 200% of EAFRD funding, and Member States may adapt direct payment allocations for calendar year 2027. Entry into force: 15 July 2026.
Union Solidarity Fund mobilisation for Romania, Cyprus, Spain: Decision (EU) 2026/1809
Decision (EU) 2026/1809 of 8 July 2026 provides assistance to Romania following floods in May-June 2025 (EUR 14,339,675), Cyprus for wildfires in July 2025 (EUR 9,209,223), and Spain for wildfires in August 2025 (EUR 120,550,858). The Fund is mobilised under Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002, with entry into force on publication.
Feed additive authorisation: alpha-galactosidase/xylanase—Regulation (EU) 2026/1772
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1772 of 23 July 2026 authorises a preparation of alpha-galactosidase produced with Aspergillus tubingensis ATCC SD 6740 and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced with Trichoderma orientale CBS 139997 as a feed additive for turkeys for fattening and reproduction. The additive is classified as a zootechnical additive (digestibility enhancer). Safety and efficacy evaluated by EFSA Journal (2025;23:e9796). Entry into force: twenty days after publication.
Feed additive authorisation: basil tincture—Regulation (EU) 2026/1786
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1786 of 23 July 2026 authorises basil tincture from Ocimum basilicum L. as a sensory feed additive (flavouring compound) for all animal species. Methyleugenol and estragole content is regulated for safety. EFSA opinion (2025;23:e9543) supports use conditions; transitional provisions apply for phasing-in new label requirements.
Feed additive authorisation: L-valine—Regulation (EU) 2026/1756
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1756 of 20 July 2026 authorises L-valine produced from Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 (inactivated fermentation product) as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. Application classified under 'amino acids, their salts and analogues'. EFSA opinion (2025;23:e9782) confirms safety for consumers and environment; efficacy for ruminants requires rumen protection.
Feed additive terms update—lutein extracts: Regulation (EU) 2026/1712
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 of 20 July 2026 amends and corrects Regulation (EU) 2020/1097 and Regulation (EU) 2025/1928 regarding terms for lutein-rich and lutein/zeaxanthin extracts from Tagetes erecta as feed additives for poultry. New specifications set solvent hexane limits at 290 mg/kg; updates also clarify preparation composition and transitional measures.
Novel food use update—galacto-oligosaccharide: Regulation (EU) 2026/1749
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1749 of 20 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 to revise conditions for galacto-oligosaccharide as a novel food in various categories, including drinks, confectionery, and baby foods. EFSA opinion (2025;23:e9797) supports extended application; category clarifications and new permitted uses are introduced.
Sepiolitic clay transitional measures correction: Regulation (EU) 2026/1751
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1751 of 20 July 2026 corrects Regulation (EU) 2026/154 by introducing transitional measures for sepiolitic clay as a feed additive for various animal species, ensuring continued market placement for stocks produced and labelled prior to new requirements.
Wine sector intervention reporting amendment: Regulation (EU) 2026/1752
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1752 of 20 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2022/1475 concerning reporting data on wine sector interventions. Member States must now include permanent grubbing-up of vineyards and pest prevention in monitoring and evaluation submissions, aligning with Regulation (EU) 2026/471 changes.
Geographical indication registration—Mura/Murai (PDO): Regulation (EU) 2026/1792
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1792 of 15 July 2026 adds 'Mura / Murai' (Protected Designation of Origin) to the Union register of geographical indications, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Application by Hungary proceeded after no oppositions.
Organic imports third country controls: Regulation (EU) 2026/1789
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1789 of 23 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 to update recognised third country authorities and control bodies for importing organic products. Adjustments reflect notifications from Argentina, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, and the US.
Animal health law entry/movement amendment: Regulation (EU) 2026/1052
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1052 of 12 May 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2020/692, updating rules for entry and movement of animal, germinal products, and products of animal origin. Scope clarifications, new identification protocols, and updates on risk-mitigation treatments for animal-derived products are included.
European Parliament
Parliament and Council adopt Regulation (EU) 2026/1768 amending CAP crisis mechanisms
The European Parliament approved Regulation (EU) 2026/1768 on 7 July 2026, following a Council decision on 13 July, introducing a crisis support mechanism for fertiliser price increases and updating advance payment rules. The regulation enables Member States to provide targeted support and adapt direct payment allocations for 2027.
EU Solidarity Fund for natural disaster response: Decision (EU) 2026/1809
Parliament and Council jointly mobilised the EU Solidarity Fund through Decision (EU) 2026/1809 for floods in Romania and wildfires in Cyprus and Spain. The funding facilitates rapid assistance for affected regions.
EU Council
Environment Council informal meeting scheduled for 23 July
An informal meeting of environment ministers, Environment Council, will take place on 23 July 2026. No summary was provided for the agenda.
Lebanon's participation in PRIMA ratified: Council Decision (EU) 2026/1414
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1414 of 21 April 2026 concludes the Agreement between the EU and Lebanon for scientific and technological cooperation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), aligning terms with Horizon Europe and financial rules.
What We're Reading This Week
- Food inflation to soar due to energy and fertiliser crisis, UN says: Global food prices are set to climb further as rising energy and fertilizer costs disrupt agricultural production, warns the UN.
- EU farming support contributing to pricier healthy food, says UN: UN report finds EU farm subsidies are making healthy foods more expensive and less accessible for consumers.
- An organic farmer's dismay at the speed of climate change: 'I thought I would have time to prepare': Organic farmers face mounting challenges as climate change accelerates faster than anticipated, threatening crops and livelihoods.
