The European Parliament has approved its mandate to negotiate with Member States new rules aimed at rebalancing power within the agri-food supply chain and strengthening farmers’ contractual position. The proposal, adopted with 532 votes in favour, 78 against and 25 abstentions, seeks to ensure fairer and more stable remuneration for the primary sector.

Among the key measures is the requirement for written contracts for the delivery of agricultural products, with certain exceptions that Member States may apply upon request from the relevant sector. The minimum threshold for exemption from this obligation is lowered from €10,000 to €4,000. MEPs also oppose the creation of producer organisations made up exclusively of organic farmers, in order to avoid internal competition between production models.

Regarding labelling and marketing, MEPs call for clearer criteria for the use of the terms “fair” or “equitable”, which should take into account contributions to rural development and the strengthening of producer organisations. The term “short supply chain” may only be used for EU products involving few intermediaries and limited handling or transport.

In addition, imported food must comply with the same maximum pesticide residue limits as those produced within the Union. In public procurement, Member States will have to prioritise agricultural and food products originating in the EU, particularly local and seasonal products and those with geographical indications.

MEPs also introduce a stricter definition of “meat”, reserving it exclusively for the edible parts of animals and explicitly excluding lab-grown products.

Rapporteur Céline Imart (EPP, France) stressed that the goal is to end precarious business relations and guarantee fair remuneration that reflects actual production costs. Negotiations with Member States on the final text are set to begin on 14 October.

The agreement, signed by Julio Berdegué, Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, and María Ignacia Fernández, Chile's Minister of Agriculture, reinforces both countries' commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector through technical and scientific collaboration in animal and plant health, sustainable livestock farming, efficient water use, and sustainable production systems. This joint effort also highlights the gender perspective and the inclusion of small producers in the bilateral agenda, reaffirming the agricultural sector's role as a pillar of regional integration and development.

The agreement also includes the expansion of markets for products and the authorization of meat establishments, measures that Mexico recognized as a means of diversifying and balancing trade flows. It was also agreed to extend electronic certification to livestock products as part of the Pacific Alliance, providing concrete benefits for exporters and importers.

The parties also agreed that mechanisms such as the Mexico-Chile Joint Fund are key tools for consolidating initiatives that strengthen good practices and public policies for the benefit of both countries.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation to promote safe and fair agri-food trade, driving the diversification of trade flows and improving animal health in the region.

In recent weeks, the situation in Croatia regarding African swine fever has worsened, especially in the county of Osijek-Baranja.

Three farms have been affected: one with 34 animals, a second with 1,660 animals, and a third with approximately 10,000 animals. The first was already located in a protection zone.

Since 2023, when ASF appeared in Croatia, 39,000 pigs have been culled. With these new outbreaks the number will rise to over 50,000, representing more than 5% of the national pig inventory.

The government has mobilized the army and police to guard farms and borders, strengthen controls on vehicles, and prevent the transport of at-risk meat at risk.