This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#29, 2026)
CAP reform strengthens farmer bargaining power; Emergency crisis aid for farmers adopted; Feed & food contaminant limits updated; African swine fever zones extended; New authorisations for animal feed additives.
July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026
CAP reform strengthens farmer bargaining power; Emergency crisis aid for farmers adopted; Feed & food contaminant limits updated; African swine fever zones extended; New authorisations for animal feed additives.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
European Commission
Commission approves €149 million Swedish State aid for agricultural, fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices
The European Commission has approved a €149 million State aid scheme to support Swedish agricultural, fishing, and aquaculture companies adversely affected by increased fuel and fertiliser prices attributed to the Middle East crisis. The scheme, notified by Sweden, is governed by the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted on 29 April 2026 and applied under Article 107(3)(c) of the TFEU. Aid will take the form of direct grants and is capped at €50,000 per company, with eligibility based on actual price increases. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026 and covers 85% of the estimated cost increases. The Commission found the measure to be necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, and concluded it does not distort competition contrary to the common interest. Non-confidential versions of decisions will be made available under case number SA.123975.
Commission seeks feedback on proposed amendments to regional State aid guidelines
The European Commission opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Guidelines on regional State aid, seeking input on adjusted criteria for designating eligible areas for the period 2028–2034. The update integrates the latest regional socio-economic data, with special consideration given to eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, as identified in the recent Eastern regions communication. The current guidelines and regional aid maps are set to expire at end of 2027. Feedback is invited until 30 September 2026. The Commission aims to adopt revised guidelines by the end of 2026 to enable Member States to prepare new regional aid maps effective from 2028.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1739 amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) 2021/2115 and (EU) 2021/2116 – Strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain
On 29 July 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1739 entered into force, amending several core Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations. The new law introduces binding rules on written contracts for the delivery of agricultural products, imposes new transparency and minimum content standards for contracts, and reserves labeling terms such as 'meat' and 'short supply chain' for specific uses. The regulation heightens the bargaining power of farmers and producer organisations, updates recognition criteria for producer groups, and allows for increased EU financial assistance for young and new farmers joining producer organisations. Transitional provisions set future application dates for new designations and contract requirements.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1894 providing for emergency financial support for farmers affected by the Middle East crisis
The Commission adopted emergency measures to allocate €540 million in EU funding to farmers impacted by fertiliser and energy price increases linked to the Middle East crisis. Support will be distributed by Member States based on objective criteria reflecting economic losses related to fertiliser and on-farm energy costs. The measure applies to all CAP sectors under Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, with payments to farmers required by 28 February 2027. Member States may grant up to 200% additional national aid. The support is supplementary to other forms of EU and national aid but must avoid overcompensation.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1825 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 regarding maximum levels of 3-MCPD, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in certain foods
This Regulation lowers and introduces new maximum levels for glycidyl fatty acid esters and 3-MCPD, including their fatty acid esters, in baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children. It clarifies requirements for compound foods, including refined olive oil, addresses analytical considerations related to related compounds, and grants industry a transition period until 1 January 2027 to comply with new limits.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 regarding maximum levels of the sum of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in processed cereal-based food for infants and young children and in baby food
From 1 January 2028, Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 sets new maximum levels for furan, 2-methylfuran, and 3-methylfuran, expressed as furan, in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods targeting infants and young children. The change follows EFSA opinions and new occurrence data highlighting potential health risks. Products lawfully on the market prior to the application date may be sold until their use-by date.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1908 amending Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever
Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 is amended to expand and redefine restricted zones in Croatia, Italy, and Poland following new outbreaks of African swine fever in July 2026. Boundaries of restricted zones I–III are adjusted to reflect detection of the disease in both wild and domestic pigs. The measure is enacted swiftly due to the urgent epidemiological situation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1893 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain US-origin products
The Commission suspended commercial rebalancing counter-measures imposed on US goods under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1564. The decision follows Union and United States agreement to revise certain bilateral tariffs, as formalised in the EU-US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The suspension will continue as long as tariff commitments remain fulfilled, maintaining alignment with ongoing WTO procedures and bilateral commitments. The regulation enters into force on 7 August 2026.
Decision No 1/2025 of the EU-Türkiye Association Council amending the trade regime for agricultural products
The EU-Türkiye Association Council has replaced Protocol 3 on rules of origin with a new protocol referencing the pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention. This adaptation streamlines the legal framework, enables dynamic references to evolving origin rules, and supports trade under the EU–Turkey agricultural product trade regime. The new rules will apply following completion of internal procedures by both parties.
Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and the United Mexican States
On 31 July 2026, the EU and Mexico formalised an Interim Free Trade Agreement integrating modernised trade, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, geographical indications, and organic provisions. The agreement broadens agricultural and food trade, sets rules on animal health, plant health, and food safety, and improves dispute resolution and sustainable development practices between the parties.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1742 concluding the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and the United Mexican States
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1742 formally approves the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Mexico. The decision authorises the European Commission to approve modifications to oenological practices, geographical indications, and tariff commitments under the agreement, following Trade Policy Committee consultation. The agreement does not confer direct rights or obligations on EU private parties.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1852 approving modification of Annex XVIII to the EU–Central America Association Agreement (Geographical Indications)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1852 approves the addition of a new Costa Rican geographical indication to Annex XVIII of the EU–Central America Association Agreement. The procedural requirements were fulfilled, and the Sub-Committee on Intellectual Property recommended the amendment, which was subsequently adopted by the Association Council.
