Key Takeaways
- The European Commission reaffirmed income support for farmers under the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
- Member States were presented with proposals to mobilise additional funding for agriculture and rural areas.
- Fertiliser affordability and domestic production were highlighted as immediate priorities.
- The Commission confirmed steps to strengthen reciprocity and import controls on agri-food products.
- Further regulatory simplification is planned to reduce administrative burden on farmers.
EU Agriculture Ministers Meet on Food Security and Competitiveness
At an extraordinary meeting of EU agriculture ministers, convened by the European Commission and the Cypriot Presidency of the Council, Commissioners Christoph Hansen, Maroš Šefčovič, and Olivér Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s priorities for safeguarding EU food security, farmer income, and global competitiveness in 2026 and beyond.
Opening the meeting, Hansen stressed that farming and the agri-food sector remain central to European sovereignty and strategic autonomy, with the Common Agricultural Policy continuing to serve as the EU’s core support instrument for farmers.
CAP Budget Commitments and Rural Development Funding
Hansen confirmed that farmer income support will be safeguarded in the next CAP, including a minimum of €300 billion ring-fenced for farmers in the upcoming EU budget. In addition, the Commission proposed allocating at least 10% of each National and Regional Partnership Plan to rural development, representing approximately €49 billion, rising to nearly €63 billion when combined with the Catalyst Loan instrument.
Member States were also invited to mobilise an additional €45 billion in support for farmers and rural communities. Beyond CAP, the agri-food sector is expected to benefit from the European Competitiveness Fund and EU research programmes, with around €40 billion earmarked for biotechnology, the bioeconomy, health, and agriculture.
Fertiliser Costs and Trade Measures
From a trade perspective, Šefčovič highlighted fertiliser affordability as a critical issue for farm incomes and food security. Despite recent stabilisation, fertiliser prices remain around 60% higher than in 2020.
To address this, the Commission plans to temporarily suspend remaining MFN tariffs on ammonia, urea, and other fertilisers where necessary, with safeguards to ensure benefits flow directly to farmers. These measures are expected to take effect in 2026 and broadly offset costs linked to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Šefčovič also announced that a Fertiliser Action Plan will be presented in the second quarter of the year, focusing on market transparency, recycled nutrients, and alternative inputs.
Pesticides, Reciprocity and Regulatory Simplification
Várhelyi outlined key elements of the Commission’s Food and Feed Omnibus proposal, aimed at easing regulatory pressure on farmers. Measures include unlimited approval for least hazardous pesticides, streamlined renewal procedures, and faster market access for advanced biocontrol products.
He reiterated the Commission’s position that substances banned in the EU should not re-enter the market through imports, noting that this principle is being translated into legislative action. As part of this effort, the Commission has initiated procedures to set technical zero residue limits for carbendazim, benomyl, and thiophanate-methyl as early as February.
To reinforce enforcement, the Commission has increased external SPS checks by 50%, plans to expand EU border control points, and will launch a training programme for 650 national officials involved in import controls.
Outlook for EU Agriculture Policy
The meeting concluded with broad agreement that food security is a core pillar of EU security and sovereignty. Ministers emphasised the urgency of action amid global market volatility and committed to advancing CAP support, fertiliser relief, regulatory simplification, and stronger reciprocity measures.
The Commission stated it will continue to defend EU farming interests and translate the Vision for Agriculture and Food into concrete outcomes in the short and longer term.
