European farming

Shamonda virus, an insect-borne virus that can affect cattle and other ruminants, is drawing attention in farming communities. A Farmers Guardian explainer outlines what livestock farmers need to know, including potential impacts on animal health and reproduction. The topic is being searched widely in the UK and also appearing prominently in France, suggesting growing interest across European farming sectors.

Former Italian prime minister and European Commission president Romano Prodi is among the most searched names in Italy. The interest comes as European affairs dominate the national conversation, with debate over EU agricultural penalties prompting government responses and economist Paul Krugman arguing that Europe is stronger than commonly believed.

A petition backed by millions of signatures is calling on the European Union to drop plans to roll back environmental standards, according to a report by German weekly DIE ZEIT. The campaign, billed under the motto 'Hands off Nature', targets proposed easing of rules affecting agriculture and land use. The petition's scale has drawn attention across German-speaking media and farming circles.

The European Union is looking at making it easier to use pesticides, according to DW reporting on the policy shift. The move marks a change from the EU's previously restrictive stance on agricultural chemicals. Debate is expected between farmers seeking workable alternatives and environmental groups concerned about the impact on biodiversity, water quality and human health.

The Council of the European Union has agreed its negotiating position on the common market organisation for agricultural products as part of talks on the EU's next long-term budget covering 2028-2034. The position defines how the EU will manage and support agricultural markets under the new Multiannual Financial Framework. It sets the Council's stance ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament on the final spending package.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has asked Ukraine's neighbours to let grain cargoes pass through their territory, according to Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar. The request touches a long-running dispute in which several Central European countries have restricted Ukrainian farm imports to protect their own farmers while allowing transit. The remarks drew attention to Budapest's stance on the issue.

European crop production is falling behind that of global competitors, according to a report carried by agricultural broadcaster RFD-TV. The item highlights concerns that farmers in the European Union are losing ground to producers elsewhere, a debate with direct implications for EU agricultural policy and trade.

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to give farmers and biogas producers more flexibility in how liquid digestates, the nutrient-rich by-products of anaerobic digestion, can be used. The move is framed as supporting the circular economy and nutrient recycling in agriculture. Reaction so far has been limited, with environmental and farming stakeholders expected to weigh in on the practical implications.

Canada is continuing efforts to expand its agricultural trade opportunities during meetings with G7 partners and the European Union. Officials are using the diplomatic gatherings to press for broader market access for Canadian farm products and to strengthen trade ties with key partners. The agriculture sector remains a significant part of Canada's export economy, making trade negotiations a priority.

The EU Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on updated measures to support organic farming across the European Union. The deal updates the EU's framework for the organic sector, though full details of the agreed provisions and next steps for formal adoption were not included in the initial announcement.

The European Commission has presented a long-term vision for a successful fisheries and aquaculture sector. The initiative lays out how the EU intends to secure the future of its fishing fleets and fish farming over the coming decades, balancing sustainability, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Stakeholders in the sector are expected to respond to the proposals and priorities outlined in the vision.

Drought conditions are hampering oilseed production across the European Union, according to World Grain reporting. Persistent dry weather is expected to reduce yields for key crops such as rapeseed, sunflower and soybeans, tightening EU supply. The news matters for food and feed markets already sensitive to weather-driven output swings, and farm groups in affected member states are watching harvest prospects closely.