After weeks of mobilisation across Europe, yesterday’s first Agri-Fish Council under the Cypriot Presidency had to handle an exceptionally heavy agenda, reflecting the urgency and scale of the challenges confronting the sector. Copa and Cogeca welcome the political engagement shown by Commissioner Hansen and Agri-Fish Ministers, stressing that swift, concrete decisions are necessary to restore stability, confidence and competitiveness of European agriculture on the ground.
Yesterday’s Agri-Fish Council took place in the aftermath of the extraordinary Council convened on 7 January. Ministers highlighted the situation facing farmers, who are under intense and accumulating pressure: volatile arable and livestock markets, rising input and fertilisers costs, declining incomes, legal uncertainty, and an ever-growing regulatory burden that makes it increasingly difficult to invest, compete, or plan ahead. At the same time, trade-related aspects risk exacerbating these challenges by undermining EU production standards and weakening Europe’s capacity to strategically protect its sectors, contributing to a positive agri-food trade balance.
On fertilisers, Copa and Cogeca underline that price increases linked to the entry into force of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), are placing unsustainable pressure on farm viability. The broad support expressed by Ministers for urgent action is therefore welcome. This must include the suspension of MFN duties on all fertilisers, an immediate pause in the application of CBAM to fertilisers until CO₂ pricing uncertainties are resolved, and the rapid presentation of an ambitious Fertiliser Action Plan to expand EU production and diversify imports and alternative supply sources, including manure and digestates.
On markets, the announced temporary suspension of the inward processing regime for sugar by Commissioner Hansen represents concrete policy action contributing to rebalancing the sugar market. EU agriculture needs clear strategy and decisive action to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of its production sectors. In this respect, Copa and Cogeca stand ready to contribute constructively, through their more than 20 sectoral Working Groups bringing together farmers and agri-cooperatives from 27 Member States, to the comprehensive “health check” of EU agricultural markets that has been proposed by Commissioner Hansen.
On fair trade and reciprocity, the launch of a Task Force on import controls is a positive step. However, this must now be followed by stronger and harmonised border controls, adequate staffing, increased on-farm inspections in third countries, and clear and enforceable obligations for exporters. Where risks increase, automatic emergency measures must apply.
Finally, we consider it important that Agriculture Ministers hold exchanges on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy ahead of Council conclusions expected in March. Bio-based solutions can deliver new income streams and sustainability gains for agriculture, but the role of primary producers must be strengthened and no restriction on biomass used, including sustainability criteria, should be proposed. Cooperatives across the EU are demonstrating their capacity to lead circular and sustainable bioeconomy projects and should be further supported to maximise their impact.
Copa and Cogeca reiterate that Europe’s farmers need clear, long-lasting decisions. The future of European agriculture, rural areas, and the food security of 450 million citizens depends on a strong and competitive farming sector. The work of the EU institutions must therefore continue with determination, and the role of the co-legislators will be crucial in the next steps.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
