AGP Executive Report

Romania Livestock Protest Turns Violent: Around 2,000 Romanian shepherds and farmers clashed with riot police in Bucharest over an EU small-ru ruminant disease export ban extension, with tear gas used, 26 detained and dozens injured. CAP Youth Push in Ireland: Ireland’s young farmer group Macra is calling for 10% of CAP funding to be ring-fenced for generational renewal, plus a minimum €10.7bn allocation for 2028–2034. Fertiliser, Fodder, Fuel Support Signals: Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris says Budget 2027 support will focus on fertiliser, fodder and fuel, with a possible €30m fertiliser top-up under review. Netherlands Rail Disruptions: ProRail says sabotage is possible after pipes and cables were found at about 20 points on Dutch rail lines, causing repeated halts and reappearances after removal. Serbia Wind Power Boost: Masdar and Taaleri Energia inaugurated the 154 MW Cibuk 2 wind farm, bringing the Cibuk hub to 312 MW in Serbia’s South Banat region. EU Trade Compliance Pressure: Canada’s Mark Carney urged Cyprus and nine other EU states to ratify CETA, noting concerns about potential agricultural import impacts.

Settlement Trade Sanctions: The UK, followed by France, says it will ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and target specific firms and individuals tied to construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate. Aquaculture Retail Push: Norway’s Ode is moving farmed Atlantic cod into year-round supermarket supply with fresh ready-to-cook products under a new Ode Brands line. Romanian Farm Outlook: Romania’s agriculture is described as relatively resilient in 2026 so far, with harvest prospects holding up better than in other European markets. Fertiliser Safety Concern: A report flags heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic from phosphate fertilisers as a long-term soil and rice food-safety risk, especially where rice is a staple. Wind Repowering in Spain: Naturgy will invest €330m to repower six Spanish wind farms, cutting turbine counts while boosting output and adding battery storage with EU-backed support. Cocoa Climate Risk: A study warns cocoa faces major exposure to heavy rainfall, adding to heat and drought concerns for West African growers. EU-Canada Trade Pressure: Mark Carney urges remaining EU states to ratify the Canada trade deal to deepen ties and boost resilience. Offshore Wind Ecology: Experts stress marine planning and lifecycle measures to reduce biodiversity impacts as offshore wind expands. Serbia Wind Hub: Masdar and Taaleri Energia inaugurate the 154MW Cibuk 2 project, joining Cibuk 1 to create a major Western Balkans wind cluster.

EU–Israel Settlement Trade Bans: The UK says it will sanction specific firms and individuals tied to illegal Israeli settlement expansion, and France confirms it will end trade with settlements alongside 11 other countries—moves that could hit sectors including construction services and some agricultural goods. Norway Settlement Sanctions: Norway is considering a ban on trade with Israeli settlements that could bring fines and prison terms up to three years, with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide noting the trade volume is limited but includes wine and some agricultural products. EU Crop Protection Reform: A new EU push to simplify crop protection rules is framed as a test of whether faster, clearer regulation can still protect food, feed, health and the environment—especially around fragmented data protection rules that delay market entry. Food Security & Climate Impacts: Research highlights that better climate forecasts alone won’t protect the poorest farmers unless they also have feed support, insurance, targeted help and market access; separate coverage flags climate “bottlenecks” from farm to fork. Romania Cattle Aid: Romania secures €52m state support for cattle farmers facing rising fuel and fertiliser costs. Diesel/Fertiliser Pressure: Diesel prices surge in parts of Europe, while warnings grow that fertiliser cutbacks could reduce global crop yields.

Heatwave hits crops: Belgium’s growers report smaller apples, potatoes and carrots, with knock-on risks for fries exports as drought spreads across Europe. EU procurement reform: The European Commission’s Public Procurement Act would steer public buyers away from lowest-cost tenders toward quality, sustainability and supply-chain resilience—potentially boosting demand for organic and healthier food. Farm finance pressure: Moldova’s farmers threaten protests over a proposed 50% VAT jump on grain and oilseed crops. Diesel crunch and farm costs: Trump urged Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure, warning of global fuel shortages that could feed into higher costs for transport and farming. Fisheries management: Countries agreed a new Pacific bluefin tuna harvest strategy after recovery from overfishing, allowing slight catch increases with automatic cutbacks if stocks fall. Energy and agriculture link: The ECB’s Kazimir flagged rising gas and electricity prices as a risk to food inflation, with drought and fertiliser costs already weighing on farmers. Livestock trade dispute: Irish calf exporters hit back at Dutch demands over 12-hourly milk-feeding rules for unweaned calves, calling it a politically motivated challenge to EU law. Climate-smart farming tech: A new EU-FAO €5m initiative targets climate-resilient agriculture in Afghanistan, aiming to strengthen agrifood systems.

EU trade & sanctions: The UK says it will ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and target specific companies and individuals tied to settlement expansion, with France confirming it will end trade with Israeli settlements alongside 11 other countries. Farm policy & livelihoods: Ireland’s Macra is pushing a €5m pilot farm succession scheme in Budget 2027, offering €50,000 per farm split between incoming and exiting farmers, to build blocks for a bigger CAP succession support package. Climate-resilient farming support: The EU and FAO have launched a €5m programme to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture in Afghanistan’s agrifood sector. Agrifood sector pressure: France’s slowdown is expected to hit Tunisia via trade and investment links, while energy-price rises threaten Tunisia’s trade balance and public finances. Rural innovation: A UK-based “Spraying should be the last option” push highlights farmers exploring alternatives to pesticides.

EU trade curbs on illegal settlements: The UK, followed by France and other partners, is moving to ban imports and impose sanctions tied to Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, targeting firms and individuals involved in construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate. Food price pressure: The UN’s FAO says global food prices rose again in August, warning that climate shocks, geopolitics and disrupted logistics are tightening supply expectations—hitting cereals and vegetable oils in particular. Drought’s farm hit (Hungary): Hungary’s central bank flags drought and higher global food prices as risks for renewed inflation, and says it may fold climate-risk scenarios into monetary policy. Biodiversity and renewables clash (France): Solar farms are being linked to alarming impacts on bees and butterflies, adding pressure to how agrivoltaics and land-use rules are designed. Energy investment (Germany): Masdar signs deals with RWE and Luxcara to back offshore wind and battery storage across Germany and wider Europe. EU climate policy pushback (Brexit/Energy Charter): A UK-linked ExxonMobil affiliate is reported to be suing the EU over the Net Zero Industry Act, raising fears of more legal challenges to the energy transition.

EU Budget Clash: Berlin is pushing back hard on António Costa’s EU long-term budget plan, setting up a tougher fight over spending cuts ahead of October negotiations. Mega-Farm Scrutiny: Ukraine’s MHP faces investigations over pollution and water impacts tied to its huge poultry operations, with European-backed finance now under review. War on Trade: Russia’s strikes are increasingly disrupting civilian business; Ozon has confirmed a shutdown in Saratov after a drone attack. Farm Income Pressure: A new debate is growing around whether Europe will keep backing farmers or risk a wider “Farm Aid” problem as costs and margins bite. Renewables vs Land Use: Bulgaria saw protests demanding a temporary moratorium on wind and solar on agricultural land, arguing pasture is being leased away without a clear national plan. EU Sanctions on Settlements: The UK, France and Canada move to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, targeting companies tied to construction, infrastructure and financing. Food Security in Focus: Ukraine warns its winter will be harsh as strikes hit energy, logistics and agriculture, deepening budget strain.

Back British Farming Day: UK MPs and farming groups used the Westminster event to warn that food self-sufficiency is falling and imports are rising, calling for faster government action to protect domestic production. EU Budget Fight: Spain’s PNV MEP Oihane Agirregoitia says the 2028-2034 EU budget is “improvable,” urging new revenues and stronger funding for cohesion, fishing and infrastructure rather than cuts. Wildfire Grazing Plan: Portugal wants EU money to pay for grazing goats, sheep and cows in high-risk wildfire areas, using animals to clear flammable shrub and cut fire damage. Animal Health: Kenya stepped up measures against transboundary livestock diseases, including African Swine Fever outbreaks, while trying to keep cross-border movement routes open for pastoralists. Food & Trade: Brazil beef exports hit record value and volumes in H1 2026, but analysts warn Q3 could bring more volatility as China demand and quotas tighten and EU import bans bite. Farming Tech: A UK report highlights how connected machinery and remote diagnostics are speeding harvest support when combines break down.

Settlement Trade Sanctions: The UK says it will ban goods and services linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and individuals; France has now confirmed it will end trade with settlements alongside a wider coalition. Black Sea Food Risk: Zelenskyy warns Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea grain corridor could trigger a global food crisis, with grain prices falling inside Ukraine but major knock-on effects for import-dependent countries. Dairy Cost Pressure: US dairy prices edge up in August, but margins face headwinds as feed costs rise and Black Sea disruptions keep grain logistics tight. EU-Ukraine Energy Retaliation: Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to respond if Russia strikes the national power grid this winter, while pushing for step-by-step talks including an energy truce. Biofuels Deal: Bayer and Neste have finalized an agreement to scale low-carbon biofuels feedstock via winter canola expansion. EU Poultry Welfare: The EU prepares new poultry welfare rules. Farm Weather Strain (UK): Suffolk farmers report drought-hit yields and renewed pressure from food imports. Agritech/Policy: The EU is moving on agri-food research and innovation priorities, while governments weigh AI for administrative roles.

EU Settlement Sanctions: The UK, followed by France and Canada, is moving to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion. Animal Welfare in Spain: Mercadona’s main egg supplier, Huevos Guillén, says it will invest €200m to go fully cage-free across its farms and supply chain within four years. Livestock Showcase in France: Sommet de l’Élevage returns in Clermont-Ferrand (Oct 6–9), spotlighting French and European genetics, animal health and a bigger machinery zone. UK Bluetongue Alert: Confirmed bluetongue cases in the UK have doubled in three weeks, with AHDB urging vaccination and warning the outbreak peak may come late September. CAP Pressure in Ireland: Irish farmers’ groups warn parts of Connacht could lose hundreds of millions under current CAP proposals, pushing for changes ahead of negotiations. Food Retail Innovation: REWE is selling “fresh from the roof” lettuce grown on-site above a Berlin supermarket, aiming to cut transport and boost local supply. Energy Costs for Farms: Ireland’s agriculture sector is calling for faster fuel support as green diesel prices surge and contractors warn of breaking point. Agrifood Policy & Trade: Poland and Ukraine are discussing ways to boost agricultural exports via EU “solidarity lanes” as drone attacks and logistics constraints continue.

CAP Budget Clash: Ireland’s IFA warns farmers “cannot be sacrificed” in EU budget and CAP talks, saying proposed cuts could push CAP payments to about €130/ha and cost the sector up to €400m a year from 2028–2034. Animal Health & Trade: Bulgaria’s agriculture minister opened the grape harvest in Sandanski’s Struma Valley, highlighting favourable weather and tighter checks on imports and intra-EU deliveries of grapes and seasonal fruit/veg. Livestock Integrity: Gardaí and Europol targeted a suspected cross-border horse-trafficking network, alleging forged horse passports and microchip manipulation, with searches across multiple EU countries including Ireland. Farmgate Pressure: A study on European farm economics points to rising costs and weaker prices hitting pig farmers, while broader reporting flags margin squeeze and farmers pulling back on spending. Biodiversity & Water: Conservation work in Europe’s wider farming belt is echoed by Iowa-style wetland restoration logic—reconnecting waterways to cut nutrient runoff and support wildlife—while UK red kites show how targeted protection can drive major recovery. Policy Watch: EU agriculture ministers face ongoing political and budget pressure as member states push for faster action on competitiveness and farm support.

Cereal Biofungicide Deal: Syngenta and Amoéba sealed an exclusive EU/UK/Ukraine/Switzerland distribution partnership for a next-gen biocontrol fungicide targeting septoria and yellow rust, with registrations expected from Q3 2028 and spring 2029 sales. UK Farm Income Pressure: IFA met Ireland’s finance ministers ahead of the budget, urging more funding for farm schemes (TAMS, ANC) and retention of unallocated fuel-scheme money to offset soaring fertiliser and production costs. Animal Transport Enforcement: The Dutch regulator NVWA moved against Irish calf transporters over welfare breaches, citing long journeys with insufficient fluids for very young calves. Dairy Sector Stress: Reports point to an exodus of dairy farms as price pressure persists, with 60 farms facing “price trapped” conditions. Mar Menor Fight: Murcia’s Mar Menor protection law is set for change after a first parliamentary step, sparking anger from farmers and environmental groups over how sanctions affect subsidy access. Heat and Water Strain: Copernicus-linked analysis says June–August was the hottest on record for 1.3bn people, underlining drought and heat impacts on European agriculture. Irrigation Hardware Trade: A China-based sprinkler maker highlights EU export reach, reflecting continued demand for irrigation equipment as water stress grows. Food Security Push (UK): NFU research and farmers’ calls on Back British Farming Day warn UK self-sufficiency is falling and urge homegrown food targets. Cattle Genetics Curiosity: A genome study of Hong Kong’s feral cattle shows how isolation and adaptation shaped a distinct livestock population—useful for understanding resilience and breeding history.

Water & Climate Adaptation: Azerbaijan’s COP29 climate lead Mukhtar Babayev says adaptation must be tied to water management, warning droughts are lasting longer while floods are more severe and water demand is rising fast across farming, cities, industry and energy. Grain Markets: MATIF wheat hit a September peak then eased, with traders watching Black Sea export moves, El Niño risks and Europe’s already-hit maize situation; opportunities for selling at higher prices are being flagged. Dairy Watch: European dairy prices are mostly steady, but attention is turning to whether farmers have enough winter feed after drought cut forage in France and lowered EU maize output. Sheep Pricing: Irish sheep trade shows signs of life, yet factory base quotes are holding, with most groups around €8/kg and some firmer mart prices. Feed Industry Sustainability: FEFAC’s Feed Sustainability Charter 2030 progress report highlights steps toward climate neutrality, responsible sourcing and resource efficiency, alongside EU protein and livestock strategy priorities. Ukraine Food Security: Mercy Corps warns Black Sea attacks and disrupted transport are creating a farm-to-market shock, leaving Ukrainian farmers with less cash and storage shortfalls.

Food Security Pressure (UK): A new NFU report says Britain’s self-sufficiency has fallen in 10 of 11 everyday foods over 30 years, with imports up 70% and much cereal and livestock production running at a loss, prompting calls for ambitious homegrown targets. Heat & Drought Impacts (Europe): Farmers in England report harvest losses after extreme heat and drought, while wider drought conditions are squeezing water supplies and crop yields. Cereal Bio-Control Deal (EU): Syngenta and Amoéba signed an exclusive distribution partnership for a next-generation biocontrol fungicide aimed at wheat diseases, as Europe’s crop protection toolbox shrinks. Aquaculture Shock (Hungary): Drought and low inflows triggered a major fish kill at a large Hungarian fishpond complex, highlighting how water stress can hit both food output and protected wetlands. Agri-Business M&A (Baltics): Estonia’s Infortar agreed to buy Lithuania’s Litagra, expanding milk and adding poultry farming to create a larger dairy heavyweight. Trade & Politics (EU/UK/Canada): Britain, France and Canada moved to ban imports from Israeli West Bank settlements, escalating diplomatic tensions with Israel.

Food Prices Under Pressure: The UN FAO says global food prices rose in August to the highest since late 2022, driven by Europe’s heat and drought, Black Sea trade disruption, and Middle East tensions—pushing grain to three-year highs and cutting its 2026 cereal output forecast. Heat Hits European Farming: Italy logged its hottest summer since 1950, with drought and heat stressing agricultural regions; France’s champagne production is forecast to fall nearly in half after extreme weather. Wine Sector Shock: France’s wider wine output is also expected to drop sharply, with Champagne and Burgundy hit hardest by early harvests and crop losses. EU Policy Push: The European Commission set out a 2040 strategy for agri-food research and innovation, aiming to steer innovation for the long run. Animal Health Watch: France faces new salmonella fallout after pumpkin-seed-related cases, adding pressure to food safety monitoring. Trade Tensions Spill Over: UK-led settlement trade bans are expanding, with Israel retaliating by closing the British consulate—an issue that also touches agricultural exports.

UK-Israel Trade Reset: Britain says it will announce a ban on goods made in Israeli West Bank settlements, framed as support for a two-state solution, with the US expected to oppose and Israel already reacting. Heatwave Impacts on Wine: France is forecasting its weakest wine output in 30 years, with Champagne hit hardest as drought and extreme heat push harvests earlier and cut volumes sharply. Food Prices Under Pressure (Spain): Northern Spain shoppers are seeing higher prices for fruit, vegetables, meat and eggs, with farmers pointing to a mix of heat effects plus energy, transport and supply-demand changes. Water Stress (UK): Hosepipe bans remain in force across 10 English water regions, affecting around 30 million people despite heavy late-August rain, as reservoir storage stays low. Farm Sector Pricing (Bulgaria): Bulgaria’s fruit and vegetable sector is calling for “fair value” rules that protect producers’ costs and require markups, arguing retail-only controls miss the real drivers across the supply chain. Agri Business Expansion (Baltics): Estonia’s Infortar is buying Lithuania’s Litagra to expand milk, crops and poultry production, adding thousands of animals and more farmland. Farm Machinery (EU): Claas has launched a new Arion 5 Cmatic tractor range (145–180hp) aimed at compact, manoeuvrable field work.