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CAP increases ambition of Member States on the protection of biodiversity, and raises awareness on water issues

Common agricultural policy (CAP) instruments and measures, particularly under rural development, contribute to a higher level of ambition in terms of biodiversity at national level. Regarding water issues, the CAP put it higher on the agenda of Member States by raising awareness through water-related CAP objectives. Those are among the key…

2019: a record year for EU agri-food trade

2019 proved to be a record year for EU agri-food trade. The export value of agri-food products came to a total of €151.2 billion (rising by 10% from December 2018), while imports accounted for €119.3 billion (an increase of 2.5% compared to 2018), bringing the overall value of trade for the year to €270.5 billion. The trade surplus grew by €10.9…

Coronavirus: Commission stands ready to continue supporting EU's agri-food sector

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, the European Union's agri-food sector is showing its resilience and continues to provide Europeans with high quality and safe food. Nonetheless, farmers and producers are facing difficulties and increasing pressure. Ensuring food security and an effective food supply chain across the continent remains one…

New Director-General for the department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission

The European Commission has decided to appoint Mr Wolfgang Burtscher as Director-General for the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). The appointment follow a full selection procedure on the basis of merit in accordance with the Commission's rules and procedures for senior managers and will take effect on 1 April 2020…

Press release: EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers on solving COVID-19 impact on agriculture and fisheries sectors

The Croatian Presidency organized a videoconference of EU ministers responsible for agriculture and fisheries with the participation of EU Commissioners Janusz Wojciechowski and Virginijus Sinkevičius, to discuss measures already taken, as well as those planned at the national and European level in order to counteract the negative impact of the…