EU Reverses Pesticide Reduction Plan Amid Farmer Protests
TL;DR: In a significant turn of events, the European Commission has backed down from its ambitious plan to cut pesticide use by half by 2030 across its 27 Member States. This decision came in the wake of strong opposition from farmers across the European Union, who argued that the proposed Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR), part […]
European Commission Challenges Italy’s Cultivated Meat Ban
TL;DR: The European Commission has concluded its examination of Italy’s legislation that prohibits the production and marketing of cultivated meat, as well as the use of “meaty” descriptors for plant-based alternatives. The Commission determined that by enacting this law, Italy has contravened European Union guidelines. According to the Commission, Italy implemented the law without providing […]
European Union Divided as Italy Leads Ban on Lab-Grown Meat to Protect Traditional Farming
TL;DR: Italy has become the first European country to officially ban the production, sale, or import of lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat. This decision, aimed at supporting Italian farmers, addresses concerns over ethics, public health, sustainability, and transparency. Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida highlighted the importance of preserving Italy’s food heritage and the […]
Europe Moves to Update Regulations for Advanced Gene Technologies
The European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has recently voted to establish a new regulatory framework for innovative genomic techniques (NGT). These techniques, which involve altering the genetic material of organisms, are currently regulated under the same stringent rules applied to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The proposed changes aim to make […]
Turkey Firmly Opposes Cultivated Meat, Prioritises Traditional Agriculture
Turkey’s stance on alternative meat was made clear by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli at the recent FAO National Food Codex Commission meeting. Addressing speculations about the government’s stance on cultivated meat, Yumakli firmly stated that such products have never been considered for approval in Turkey’s agricultural agenda. According to Turkish Agri News, Yumakli […]
EU Beef and Lamb Market Update: Tighter Supplies Bolster Prices
Overview of EU Beef and Lamb Markets The European Union’s beef and lamb markets have experienced notable trends in 2023, with supply constraints leading to price increases. This article provides a comprehensive review of the market dynamics, production changes, and future outlook for these sectors. Beef Market Trends and Price Movements EU prime cattle prices […]
Poland’s Bold Move: Redefining ‘Meat’ in the Plant-Based Era
In a landscape where culinary terms are as diverse as the foods they describe, Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is charting a new course. A draft regulation, as reported by TVP World, is stirring the pot in the realm of food labelling. The crux of the matter? Ensuring that meat-related terms like “ham,” […]
Glyphosate’s Decade-Long Approval Renewed by European Commission
In a significant move for the agricultural sector, the European Commission has extended the authorisation of glyphosate for ten years. This decision, crucial for farmers globally, comes after detailed evaluations and discussions among EU member states. Glyphosate, essential for crop management and yield improvement, has been reapproved with stringent safety and environmental guidelines. This reauthorisation […]
HPAI Outbreaks Surge Across Europe and the United States
Europe has experienced a significant rise in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, with 39 reported incidents across 13 countries since September, as per the European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System. Hungary has been the most affected in Europe, recording eight outbreaks in wild birds, followed closely by the Netherlands with seven recent outbreaks. Other […]
Sustainability Measures Boost Agricultural Productivity in Co. Leitrim
In the arid landscapes of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, farmer John O’Connell is witnessing the tangible benefits of integrating sustainability practices on his farm. As a participant in the Teagasc Signpost Programme, John has introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing productivity, and ultimately, increasing profitability.
