Brussels in Brief Newsletter

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5 December 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of Brussels in Brief. The BAB team is here, we are in Brussels and we want to work on behalf of you and your members. You can find out more on what is happening in Europe at our website - BAB (britishagriculturebureau.co.uk)..

Commission approves Glyphosate for a further 10 years

On 29 November, the European Commission published the Implementing Regulation, renewing the approval of glyphosate for a period of 10 years, until 15 December 2033. The authorisation is subject to certain new conditions and restrictions, amongst which:

the prohibition for use as a desiccant (with the intention to control the time point of harvest or to optimise the threshing). Pre-harvest use for weed control is allowed.
the setting of maximum application rates that shall not be exceeded unless the outcome of the risk assessment undertaken for the specific uses for which authorisation is applied for demonstrates that a higher rate does not lead to any unacceptable effects on small herbivorous mammals:
1.44kg/hectare/year for use in agriculture
1.8kg/hectare/year for use to control invasive species in agricultural and non-agricultural areas
3.6kg/hectare/year for use in non-agricultural areas

Find out more at - Commission approves Glyphosate for a further 10 years – British Agriculture Bureau

Cattle excluded from the Industrial Emissions Directive

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On 29 November 2023, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the proposal to revise the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) - the main EU instrument that regulates pollutants from industry (including agriculture). The agreement excludes cattle from the scope of Directive, but the Commission must assess how to best address cattle emissions by the end of 2026. The IED will now cover farms with more than 350 livestock units (LSU) for pigs, 300 adult livestock units (LUA) for poultry, and 280 for broilers. Find out more at - Cattle kept out of reviewed Industrial Emissions Directive – British Agriculture Bureau

Animal welfare during transport proposals

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The Commission’s proposals on animal welfare during transport are expected to be published on 6 December. A leaked version of the proposal suggests that maximum journey times would be imposed (e.g 9 hours for animals transported for slaughter) together with provisions around minimum and maximum temperature limits. For example if the outdoor temperature is over 30^oC, journeys would only be permitted between 9pm and 10am. A minimum age for transport of calves would be increased to 5 weeks (compared to 14 days in current legislation). Space allowances would also be increased in line with EFSA opinions, and all journeys would have to be logged in the EU’s TRACES system.

European Commission approves ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef' as new island-of-Ireland Geographical Indication

The Commission has added ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef' to the register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). This is the fourth GI awarded to the island of Ireland. ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef' only includes cattle that derive at least 90% of their feed intake from grass and spend a minimum of 220 days per year throughout their lifetime grazing pasture. The cattle must be born, raised on grass, finished, slaughtered, chilled, and quartered in the island of Ireland geographical area. ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef' will be registered and protected in the European Union and Northern Ireland.

EU-MERCOSUR trade deal delayed

It is not likely that agreement will be reached on the long-awaited EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement ahead of EU summit with South American leaders on 7 December. This is because the approval of Argentina’s incoming government will be required on outstanding issues such as deforestation.

Evaluation of Nitrates Directive

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The Commission has launched a call for evidence on the EU Nitrates Directive to assess how EU countries have applied the Directive since its adoption in 1991. An assessment of effectiveness will consider how the Directive has been implemented, challenges that have arisen in applying the Directive, and any factors limiting its effectiveness. Efficiency will be considered by assessing whether the efforts and the costs needed to implement the Directive are proportionate, and whether environmental and socio-economic benefits outweigh these costs. The potential for simplification, including on reporting and reducing the associated costs, will also be investigated. The call for evidence will be open until 8 March 2024.

Negative reaction to proposed Forestry Monitoring Law

The Commission has proposed a Forest Monitoring Law which aims to create a comprehensive forest knowledge base, address information gaps, and enable better response to growing pressures on forests by using data obtained through earth observation technology and ground measurements. The framework will support the implementation of existing legislation such as the Deforestation Regulation and the Habitats Directive. Copa Cogeca described the proposal as an “overlapping and burdensome regulation” as forest data is already reported to several different international processes and said the Commission should make use of existing legislation and tools instead. The proposal is heavily criticised by the Nordic countries where forestry is crucial to their economies - forests generate 20% of Finland’s exports, while one in ten Swedes are working in the sector.

Council approves conclusions in Long-Term Vision for EU's Rural Areas

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The Council conclusions highlight the fundamental role of agriculture in achieving stronger and more prosperous rural areas across the EU. It recognises that generational renewal and tackling gender equality requires urgent action both at EU and national level. The role of agriculture, forestry, and bioeconomy in the economic, social, and territorial cohesion of rural areas is highlighted including its contribution to ensuring food security, energy efficiency, employment, climate change mitigation and fostering innovation. The Vision calls for coherent policies and instruments verified through a rural proofing mechanism and that all relevant policies should contribute to supporting the diverse needs of rural areas.

Commission publishes report on CAP Strategic Plans

Last week, the Commission reported an analysis of the CAP Strategic Plans (implemented from the start of 2023) concluding that CAP payments continue to be an important source of farm income and contribute to the resilience of the sector. In addition, the Plans are expected to support 377,000 young farmers to set up an agricultural activity. The assessment also notes where further efforts are needed, for example on digital technologies and innovation, and the need for advice, training, and knowledge exchange. The report also stresses that CAP funding must be complementary with other EU and national funds to deliver objectives.

Slovakia expands Ukraine import ban

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Slovakia has announced that it intends to expand its unilateral ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. The ban previously applied to wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seeds and was set to expire at the end of the year. It will now remain in place indefinitely and honey, barley, wheat flour, soybeans, and sugar will be added to the list of banned agricultural products.

The BAB Bulletin is an email service offered to all members, staff and external contacts who wish to sign up. For more information on anything you have read, please visit The BAB Webpage or call +32 (0) 285 05 80. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy neither BAB nor the author can accept liability for errors and omissions.