European Union News - Agriculture & Fisheries

The Agricultural Committee in the European Parliament adopted the texts which set position for negotiations with EU member states with regard to the EU farm policy reform. MEPs called in the text for a better redistribution of the EU funding, and making "greening" measures mandatory but flexible and better equip farmers to cope with market challenges.

The Council adopted the regulations establishing general fishing opportunities for 2013. These regulations establish the total allowable catches (TACs) and member states' fishing quotas for 2013 in the areas covered by the regulations.

Biopiracy of multinationals, the practice of patenting and marketing the use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources of indigenous peoples without authorization from source countries, must be fought by the EU according to the European Parliament.

The European Commission launched a public consultation aimed at all citizens interested in organic production in Europe. The consultation will cover possible simplifications to be brought to the existing scheme, while maintaining high standards, as well as the issues of control and international trade.

The new Quality Regulation that entered into force on 3rd of January is aimed at achieving a simplified regime for several quality schemes by putting them under one single legal instrument. According to the Commission, it creates a more robust framework for the protection and promotion of quality agricultural products.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established Tolerable Weekly Intakes (TWIs) to protect consumers from the possible presence of the main forms of mercury found in food. Although the average exposure to the main types of mercury does not reach the maximum levels, some consumer groups might be especially concerned and therefore new scientific information regarding its toxicity needed to be established.

The European Commission launched a public consultation on the state aid rules applicable in the agricultural and forestry sector. The deadline for submissions in this public consultation is 20 March 2013.

According to the latest estimates released by Eurostat, the EU agricultural income per worker that comprises the income generated by agricultural activities over a given accounting period, has increased by 1.0% in 2012, after an increase of 8.0% in 2011.