EU Livestock Strategy: The European Commission has unveiled a new livestock strategy aimed at making farming more resilient, competitive and sustainable, with actions spanning animal health, sustainability and market challenges. EU Policy on Animal Welfare: The EU also confirmed plans to ban cages for 160 million hens and sows, pushing major changes for producers across member states. Fertiliser Pressure: MEPs approved support for farmers facing fertiliser cost strain, while the EU is also exploring a strategic fertiliser reserve to reduce supply risks. Heat & Wildfire Fallout: Record heatwaves and wildfires across southern Europe are hitting agriculture and livestock, with authorities warning of cascading impacts on production and animal health. Planning Rules for Energy Projects: The UK is scrapping mandatory planning consultations for some nationally significant infrastructure, including solar farms, raising concerns about reduced local input. Italy Dairy Finance: Italy’s Brazzale secured $11.4m by borrowing against cheese aging, enabled by a law change that expands inventory-backed financing. EU Deforestation Compliance: Thailand’s rubber sector is racing to meet the EU’s anti-deforestation rules due in 2027, forcing major traceability changes for smallholders. Trade & Market Access: Ireland’s parliament approved a ban on imports from Israeli illegal settlements, extending far-reaching EU trade restrictions.