AGP Executive Report

EU Farm Funding: Ireland’s 2027 budget drew criticism for lacking clear money to meet nature-restoration commitments, while farm groups say support for producers remains inadequate. The wider fight over the next EU budget is intensifying, with member states resisting proposed cuts to farm and regional funding. Rising Costs: Diesel prices are squeezing farms during harvest, and farmers are being urged to secure fertiliser before the EU’s carbon-border rules take effect in 2027. Climate Pressure: France’s wine harvest is expected to hit its lowest level this century after extreme summer heat, adding to mounting losses from drought. Ukraine and Farm Trade: Brussels is considering safeguards and agricultural carve-outs for Ukraine’s eventual EU membership; Kyiv says it will reject permanent limits on farm exports. Livestock and Labour: The EU has suspended meat imports from Namibia amid a foot-and-mouth outbreak, while seasonal workers in southern France have accused recruiters of exploitation and poor conditions on farms.

EU Energy & Farming Costs: The IEA’s governing board is set to discuss a proposed release of oil and diesel stocks after diesel prices surged, with wars in Iran and Ukraine tightening supplies and hitting trucking and agriculture across Europe. Animal Health Alert (Spain): Spain’s Cantabria confirmed the first shamonda virus case in a dairy cow, with officials warning of major farm impacts despite low direct mortality, and no specific vaccine yet. Agricultural Cooperation (Spain–Lebanon): Spain’s agriculture minister met Lebanon’s counterpart to expand cooperation, focusing on irrigation modernization, unconventional water and agricultural insurance. Food & Nutrition Research (UK): A study suggests Britain’s common crops may be up to 50% less nutritious than in the 1960s, linked to soil quality decline. EU Cotton (Greece): Greece leads EU cotton production with about 80% share, but producers face cost, irrigation and weather pressure. Cybersecurity (Renewables): Dutch researchers report thousands of European wind and solar systems exposed online, raising risks for operators. EU Enlargement (Ukraine): The EU is preparing separate accession steps for Ukraine, including potential agricultural carve-outs and market-access limits.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Commission is preparing separate, more predictable accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, with Moldova’s roadmap due Oct. 28 and no “shortcuts” promised—reforms still decide outcomes. Ukraine Farm Trade Rules: Brussels is also floating targeted limits on financial support and market access for “sensitive” Ukrainian agricultural products after accession, while Ukraine’s agrarian minister says only transitional periods are acceptable, not permanent restrictions. Budget 2027 (Ireland): Westmeath’s enterprise and rural support package includes a €15m rural pubs scheme plus extra funding for energy-efficiency help and loans, with tourism and local enterprise measures also highlighted. Organic Inputs: France-based ECOCERT has issued a USDA NOP inputs attestation for Mukka Proteins’ “Eco Sphere Organic Fertilizer,” boosting its organic farming marketability. Fishing Pressure: Retailers and seafood firms are urging EU and North Atlantic fishing nations to slow down after new mackerel guidance, warning stocks remain precarious despite higher suggested catch levels.

EU Animal Health: The EU has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat (and some processed products) from Namibia after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with only specially treated products still eligible—raising major trade and jobs concerns for Namibia’s biggest export market. Irish Dairy Narrative: A Munster Technical University professor says Ireland’s dairy “positive story” is being poorly communicated, arguing the sector’s wider benefits for jobs and communities should be told more clearly. Budget Pressure for Farmers: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned against “large cuts” to the next long-term EU budget, stressing food security and cohesion while pushing back on Germany-led “frugal” demands. Water Stress in Greece: Koroneia Lake in northern Greece has lost about 90% of its water, turning habitat into cracked mud as drought and heavy water use bite. Ireland Farm Investment: Ireland expects TAMS funding to top €90m under Budget 2027, with emphasis on nutrient storage like additional slurry capacity. Poland Biomethane: Axpo-backed biomethane injection from the Komorowo plant into Poland’s gas grid marks a new step in using farm waste for renewable gas and fertiliser.

EU Budget Talks: Ireland will present a draft seven-year EU budget on Saturday, setting up a fresh fight between “frugal” net contributors and states pushing to protect agriculture and cohesion funding. Farm Funding Pressure: Bulgaria and 16 other EU countries urge leaders to keep cohesion and CAP money intact for 2028–2034, warning cuts would weaken support for farmers and regions. FMD Response in Namibia: Namibia reports 127 FMD positives across 15 farms after inspecting 29,313 animals, with roadblocks, surveillance teams and a containment buffer plan approved to prevent prolonged economic damage. Diesel Cost Politics: With fuel prices under strain, the US signals pressure on Europe over emergency diesel stock releases, while Trump reportedly weighs steps aimed at lowering diesel costs for farmers via tax-exempt red-dyed fuel. Food Security Governance: Nigeria’s agriculture ministry and Germany-backed partners convene states on policy alignment for food security, resilient livelihoods and stronger agrifood governance. Aquaculture Deal: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova sells its French refrigerated shrimp business to Ecuador’s Omarsa, aiming to refocus on higher-growth frozen operations while protecting jobs.

CAP Budget Push: Seventeen EU leaders, led by Italy and Romania, are urging the Irish EU presidency to protect cohesion policy and the CAP from cuts in the 2028–2034 budget, warning that reduced funding would weaken support for farmers and local communities. Food Security Worry (UK): UK experts warn food shortage planning is “woefully inadequate,” as a new report highlights a sharp fall in pea consumption to a 50-year low—raising fresh concerns for growers and farm incomes. Fuel Cost Pressure (Europe): The diesel squeeze remains a political flashpoint after G7 moves to release emergency reserves and US pressure on Europe to act, with energy prices feeding directly into food and farm cost stress. Young Farmers Pipeline (UK/Cyprus): Britain’s farming future is under threat from an ageing workforce, while Cyprus has added €2m to expand a youth farming support scheme under CAPO. EU Accession & Agriculture (Ukraine): Hungary is expected to lift its veto on the technical phase of Ukraine’s EU talks, with agriculture and regional policy chapters among the remaining hurdles.

Ukraine Grain Crisis: Poland and Romania have rejected Ukraine’s request to expand agricultural transit corridors and add subsidies, warning that extra freight would displace local producers while Black Sea strikes keep grain trapped. Climate & Food Costs: Italy’s Parmigiano Reggiano “cheese banks” face higher electricity and cooling costs as extreme heat strains warehouse temperatures. Animal Health & Farming Rules: Ireland granted force majeure for the ACRES geese and swans action, easing the Oct 1 land-vacating requirement for drought-hit farmers. EU Budget Fight for Farmers: Seventeen EU leaders urged the Irish presidency to protect farm funding and resist budget cuts. Market Pressure: UK beef prices rose as tight prime cattle supplies supported autumn demand. Policy & Compliance: EU Commission approved €170m Bulgarian state aid for farmers facing higher fuel and fertiliser costs. Biodiversity & Land Use: Asturias wolf-control plans (2026-27) face a legal challenge from animal welfare groups over the scientific basis for culling.

Vulture vs. farmer tensions in France: The League for the Protection of Birds is expanding vulture feeding sites in the Grands Causses, but some farmers still resent the extra handling and logistics of leaving carcasses on land. Farm funding pressure in the EU: EU leaders are pushing to protect farm budgets in the next financial framework, as multiple countries warn against cuts that would hit CAP and regional support. UK bluetongue outbreak spikes: Britain is facing its worst-ever bluetongue outbreak after a hot summer, raising pressure on vets and livestock keepers. Ukraine grain bottleneck hits food prices: Deadlock around Ukraine’s grain exports is expected to push global food prices up by more than 9%, with port attacks and logistics constraints still biting. Antimicrobial residues spotlight in beef: A study of Argentine feedlots found veterinary drug residues in soil, including monensin and critically important antimicrobials, raising concerns about stewardship and traceability. Croatia bioeconomy framework: Croatia is setting up a national bioeconomy coordination body and a 2027–2035 plan spanning agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture and biotech. Scotland red meat push abroad: QMS is promoting Scotch beef, lamb and pork at SIAL Paris, targeting premium buyers and first-time exporters. EU–Ukraine solidarity lanes blocked: Poland and Romania say they can’t do more as Ukrainian grain and low Danube water levels overload routes, threatening sales for local farmers.

EU Budget Push for CAP & Farm Funding: Seventeen EU leaders urged the Irish presidency to protect the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion funding in the next MFF, warning cuts would weaken the EU and undermine public support. Animal Health Alert (Bulgaria): Bulgaria confirmed two outbreaks of sheep and goat pox in Kyustendil region, triggering protection and surveillance zones and movement restrictions. Livestock Disease (UK): Britain reported its worst-ever bluetongue outbreak on record, with cases already exceeding the total from the previous three years, linked to climate-driven spread of BTV-3. Farm Costs & Food Prices (Greece): Greek rice areas are set to shrink sharply as energy, fertilizer and fuel costs bite, while duty-free imports and weak safeguards pressure farmgate prices. Energy Pressure on Agriculture (G7/EU): G7 nations agreed to release major diesel and fuel reserves after US pressure, aiming to ease record fuel costs that hit harvest logistics. EU Legal Pressure (Cyprus): The European Commission referred Cyprus to the EU court over waste-management failures, including insufficient pre-treatment before landfill. Trade & Markets (Spain): Spain topped EU farmgate lamb prices at over €10/kg, signaling continued price strength in parts of the meat sector.

Black Sea Shipping & Grain Markets: Wheat stayed under pressure as diplomacy to restart Black Sea shipping intensified; CBOT December wheat slid about 2% early week after USDA raised winter wheat estimates, while Euronext hit a six-week low before recovering. Energy Shock Hits Farms: The G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel via the IEA, with diesel “frontloaded” in the first 20 days, after US pressure and record diesel prices—fuel costs remain a direct concern for European agriculture. EU Protein Push: Brussels plans to grow indigenous protein feed supply, aiming to lift EU-origin protein crops used in livestock feed from 25.8% (2025) to 35% by 2035, using CAP incentives and demand-side measures. Producer Support in Ireland: Ireland reopened the ESSPO scheme, offering up to €30,000 over three years for early-stage producer organisations to strengthen farmers’ bargaining power. Animal Health Watch: Ireland is entering a higher-risk period for avian influenza as winter and migration increase exposure risk; DAFM urges strict biosecurity. Sheep Prices: Spain leads EU farmgate lamb prices at over €10/kg amid tight supplies. Wind Investment in Romania: Rezolv Energy energised Phase 1 of the 461 MW VIFOR Wind Farm (192 MW) in Buzău, supporting wider rural energy transition.

EU farm funding stand-off: Seventeen EU countries (including Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Spain and Greece) have urged the bloc to protect CAP and cohesion money in the 2028–2034 budget talks, setting up a direct fight with Germany and other budget-cutters. Diesel pressure hits agriculture: After US threats of a diesel export ban, the G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of crude and diesel over four months, with a front-loaded diesel release in the first 20 days, while the EU rejected any diesel export ban as damaging. Bulgarian cost relief: The European Commission approved €170m in state aid for Bulgarian farmers facing higher fuel and fertiliser costs linked to the Middle East crisis. Animal health alert: Ireland confirmed Shamonda virus on two Cork dairy farms; officials say there’s no trade or movement restriction, but pregnant animals are the main concern. Food procurement push: The Commission is finalising rules allowing public buyers to consider “fair remuneration for farmers,” animal welfare and organic/quality schemes in food procurement. Trade checks on poultry and honey: The EU says Brazil’s audit is satisfactory and, after procedures, exports of poultry meat and honey to the bloc could resume, with a technical review set for Oct 20–21. Climate shock context: A Copernicus bulletin says more than half of Europe saw dangerous heat stress this summer, with major crop losses reported. Lebanon wine strain: Lebanon’s wineries kept production going during conflict, but demand collapse and export pressure are squeezing sales.

Heat & Drought Costs: A record-breaking European heatwave and drought is expected to cut grain output by 16 million tonnes, with losses put at about $3.6bn, while higher diesel and fertiliser prices add pressure on farms. Global Food Prices: The UN FAO says world food prices climbed to the highest in nearly four years, lifting sugar, cereals, meat and dairy—linked to hot weather, logistics disruptions, and El Niño risks. Diesel Supply Clash: The US is pressuring Europe to release strategic diesel reserves, warning of possible export restrictions; EU and UK talks are underway as diesel hits record levels and farmers face higher operating costs. Energy Security Spillover: Ukraine struck Russia’s Samara oil hub, with fires reported at a major Transneft tank farm—raising concerns for wider fuel and industrial supply chains. Biomethane Push (Ireland): Ireland opened a €32m biomethane grid injection facility in Mitchelstown, aiming to scale farm-and-food-waste renewable gas into the national network. Market Access (EU-linked): Bihar’s makhana export drive reached Greece with a 1 MT shipment, highlighting value gains from export-oriented supply chains. Livestock & Feed Stress: EU sheepmeat supplies are tightening amid persistent challenges, adding to broader pressure on protein and feed availability.

EU-US Diesel Pressure: The US has told France and Germany to release emergency diesel stocks or face a potential export ban, escalating a fuel-price fight that matters for European trucking, farming and food logistics. Food Trade & Conflict: G20 ministers agreed it’s “not acceptable” to weaponize food and agriculture in conflicts, as Black Sea strikes keep disrupting export capacity. EU Climate Enforcement: Dutch group Both ENDS filed the EU’s first climate and environmental complaint against New Zealand under trade rules, testing whether Paris commitments in trade deals can be enforced. Aquaculture Feed Stress: German insect-feed producer FarmInsect has folded, renewing doubts about whether insect protein can reach fishmeal price parity at scale. Dairy Investment: Arla is investing €63m in skyr and cottage cheese production, signaling continued protein-focused expansion in Europe. CAP & Farm Funding Tensions: Cornish farmers and MPs are pushing back hard over the handling of the UK’s £253m SFI farming fund, with calls for earlier reopening and fairer payments.

Dairy Investment: Arla will pump €63m into higher-protein dairy, expanding skyr production in Germany (€35m) and cottage cheese in Sweden (€28.3m), as demand keeps climbing across Europe. Climate & Water Stress: Greece’s Koroneia Lake has shrunk to under a tenth of its original size after a decade of low rainfall and over-irrigation, leaving farmers increasingly reliant on pumping water for crops. Energy Pressure on Farms: The US is urging France and Germany to release emergency diesel stocks, warning of possible US export restrictions if Europe doesn’t act—fuel costs remain a major strain for agriculture and transport. Sustainable Food Data: Beneo is expanding independently verified life cycle assessments beyond carbon footprints to include land and water impacts, aiming to support procurement and environmental claims. Livestock Breeding: Armenia imported Holstein and other breeding heifers from Germany by air for the first time, part of a livestock upgrade programme for 2025–2029.

EU Food Safety: The European Commission is assessing Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak after authorities detected cases in Karasburg, with EU officials warning of potential impacts on animal and public health and on Namibia’s beef access to European markets. EU Trade & Regulation: Brussels has confirmed a ban on Brazilian beef entering the EU for at least 24 months, after concerns over the hormone oestradiol 17ß; EU officials say return would require assurances and audits. CAP & Farm Support (Ireland): Ireland’s agriculture ministry will seek EU force majeure coverage so ACRES geese and swan farmers can cut forage on protected lands for their own livestock needs, while keeping payments; separate producer organisation grants up to €10,000 a year have also reopened. Farm Costs & Fuel: Ireland announced €1m paid to 650 farmers plus another €1.5m emergency support opening in November, aimed at extra costs tied to “coloured” diesel and fertilisers. Livestock Nutrition: A feed-industry push argues formulation must better match animal physiology as heat stress rises across Europe. Agri-Finance (EU-backed): EU’s AgriFI has committed $2.5m to Nigeria’s Tomato Jos to expand processing, climate-smart production and smallholder sourcing.

EU Deforestation Rules Hit Ireland: Ireland’s draft plan to transpose the EU Deforestation Regulation would bring up to €10m fines and new domestic criminal offences for operators and traders tied to cocoa, coffee, cattle, oil palm, soya and more. CAP Pressure in Brussels: EU farm ministers are pushing toward an October deal on post-2027 CAP, while frugal states demand major budget cuts and some governments back farm aid reductions to fund other priorities. Drought and Diesel Strain Farmers: Coverage highlights how extreme summer costs and soaring diesel prices are squeezing European farm cashflow, with calls for fuel relief and contingency planning for feed and fieldwork. Biosecurity and Animal Health: Bird flu is reported in a goose at Athalassa park, while vets warn of pig disease risks across Europe. Trade and Market Signals: Cocoa futures slid on stronger dollar and abundant supplies from the Ivory Coast, adding pressure to European chocolate supply chains.