The EU needs to put greater emphasis on short supply chains and agroecology in farming in order to preserve its agriculture and make it more resilient to new challenges, such as climate change. Agroecology is also a way to secure our food supply, make our food healthier and as such raise its value. Short supply chains will help smaller farms to increase their income and enliven rural areas.
Between 2016 and 2017, poverty rates in rural areas continued to decrease, reaching 24% in 2017. During the same period, the share of organic farming area in the EU rose to 7%. These are among the key findings of the latest update of the common agricultural policy (CAP) indicators, which contribute to the assessment of the CAP’s performance.
Launched in April 2019, the public database 'eAmbrosia - the EU Geographical Indications registers' now includes the geographical indications (GIs) of spirit drinks registered in the European Union. Information available includes their status (applied, published or registered) and a direct link to the legal basis when they are officially protected.
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 agri-food exports continue their strong start to the year, with the month of May breaking records. In total exports grew by €12.8 billion, 13.0% above the same period last year. This was accompanied by an increase in import, which rose to €10.7 billion - 6% above the level of May 2018. As a result, the monthly agri-food trade surplus stood at €2.1 billion up from €1.3 billion in May 2018.
Between 2016 and 2017, poverty rates in rural areas continued to decrease, reaching 24% in 2017. During the same period, the share of organic farming area in the EU rose to 7%. These are among the key findings of the latest update of the common agricultural policy (CAP) indicators, which contribute to the assessment of the CAP’s performance.
Italy's hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, home to the world-famous sparkling wine Prosecco, have been added to the Unesco World Heritage list.
The Unesco World Heritage Committee, meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday congratulated Italy and its Prosecco region, located in the northeastern Veneto region, reported the Telegraph.
Since the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform of 2013, the administrative costs linked to the CAP did not substantially increase for farmers, representing 2% of the total aid received. As for costs for national authorities, they are estimated at around 3% of the CAP budget, having increased by a third since the implementation of a new system to control and manage payments in 2013. Those are among the main findings of the study ‘Analysis of administrative burden arising from the CAP’, published today by the European Commission.
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.
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.