EU

EU becomes member of treaty for better protection of geographical indications

Today the official documents for the European Union to become a member of the Geneva Act were deposited at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva. This is the last step for the EU to become a member of the Geneva Act, a multilateral treaty for the protection of geographical indications (GIs) managed by the WIPO.

Beehives in the EU continuously increasing

The European Commission publishes today its report on the implementation of national beekeeping programmes benefiting from €33 million annually from the EU budget. Analysing the way Member States implement the various support measures for beekeepers within the Common Agricultural Policy framework over the years 2013 to 2015, the report shows that the number of beehives is continuously increasing in the European Union. Member States reported in total 15.7 million hives which represents 12% more than the previous programming period (2011-13).

European Commission approves private storage aid for olive oil sector

Important stocks at EU level and consecutive good harvests have created an imbalance between supply and demand on the EU olive oil market, resulting in a price decrease. In view of this particularly difficult market situation, the European Commission adopted today private storage aid for virgin olive oils.

Another record for EU agri-food exports for July 2019

A 12.6% increase compared to last year, EU agri-food exports reached €13.07 billion for July 2019, another monthly record. Imports also increased to €9.92 billion, resulting in a 40% rise of the positive trade balance compared to July 2018, reaching €3.15 billion. These are among the main findings of the monthly trade report published today by the European Commission.

Milk, fruits and vegetables distributed to schoolchildren thanks to EU programme

With the start of a new school year, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme will resume in participating EU countries for 2019-2020.

The EU school scheme aims at promoting healthy eating and balanced diets through the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk products while also proposing educational programmes on agriculture and good nutrition.

World's largest urban rooftop farm to open in Paris

It’s a warm afternoon in late spring and before us rows of strawberry plants rustle in the breeze as the scent of fragrant herbs wafts across the air. Nearby, a bee buzzes lazily past. Contrary to appearances, however, we are not in an idyllic corner of the countryside but standing on the top of a six-storey building in the heart of the French capital.

Drought in Europe: the Commission offers further support to European farmers

The European Commission is offering support to farmers faced with the waves of drought afflicting Europe. Firstly, farmers will be able to receive a higher percentage of their direct and rural development payments in advance. Secondly, to be able to feed their animals, they will be granted greater flexibility to use land that would normally not be used for production.

EU exports expected to continue growing overall, pork production remains stable

EU exports of pork, beef, olive oil and dairy products are expected to continue increasing in 2019. Pork exports are especially driven by Chinese demand, while production is expected to stabilise. These are among the main findings of the latest short-term outlook report for EU agricultural markets, published on 3 July 2019 by the European Commission.

Drop in fertiliser use slows down, but precision farming offers possibilities for further reductions

The European Commission released its market brief on fertiliserstoday. Focussing on the economic and environmental impact of fertilisers, the brief found that their use in the EU has stabilised in recent years. However, the adoption of precision farming technologies offers potential for more efficient usage.