Europe (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commissioner for Agriculture says reform efforts will continue in 2026, aiming to build a fair agricultural sector across the EU.
In a new year’s message posted on social media, Commissioner Christophe Hansen stated that his goals are to revitalize rural communities and draw young farmers into the industry.
In the video message, the commissioner said:
“As the year comes to a close, we are all thinking about our new year’s resolutions.
Many of them don’t last very long. But there is one we can keep: support our EU farmers and agri-food producers by choosing their delicious products, and by putting them at the heart of our tables, including our geographical indications,”
the commissioner added.
“I hope that our farmers and European products had their dedicated place on your tables during this festive period. Because they are the ones who make this possible. It is thanks to them that Europe is a agri-food powerhouse,”
Commissioner Hansen added.
The commissioner’s remarks come at a time when farmers throughout the EU are worried about the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement and what it would mean for them if it were passed.
Due to a significant farmer protest in Brussels, the agreement, which would have allowed an additional 99,000t of beef from the Mercosur countries primarily from Brazil to enter the EU at a significantly lower tariff, was delayed from being finalized in December.
It is anticipated that early this month, the European Commission will attempt to ratify the trade agreement.
Independent Ireland is planning a “national community protest” against the Mercosur trade agreement for January 10 in Athlone, County Westmeath.
What specific measures will make EU agriculture more competitive in 2026?
The EU plans targeted measures in 2026 to boost husbandry’s competitiveness through nonsupervisory updates, investment support, and request protections.
Modification of illegal trading practices in the food chain by Q3 2026 ensures fairer prices and stronger logrolling for growers against larger buyers. A new EU Livestock Strategy by Q2 2026 emphasizes adaptability, sustainability, and wealth to revive product and cut costs.
Boosted import controls ramp up checkups to 51 onnon-EU agri- food exporters, with 50 further checks on high- threat particulars and banned fungicides for position playing field. Carbon Border Adjustment Medium( CBAM) completely activates January 2026, shielding EU directors like diseases from carbon- ferocious significances.
