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Welcome to our monthly insights into all EU agri-food policy news – from legislations and debates to political deals and manoeuvring – directly from Brussels and with a focus on sustainability.
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Early Hints Given on EUDR Review
What? The European Commission has been mandated to evaluate the impact of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and put forward a simplifying legislative proposal by April 2026. In January, Commissioner for Environment Jessica Roswall told the press that the Commission is discussing changes to the EUDR related to some in-scope products, including leather and soap. While we lack precise information, the changes would probably bring some exemptions for the sectors, and they will likely be introduced through implementing acts to avoid having to reopen the whole text.
The targeted revision of the EU Deforestation Regulation was published in December 2025 in the Official Journal. It delays the application of anti-deforestation rules to 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and 30 June 2027 for micro and small operators. Due diligence is also simplified, meaning only the first EU operator placing the product on the market files a full statement, while downstream actors retain the reference number. By April 2026, the European Commission will also assess the effectiveness of the EUDR and its simplification, including its administrative burden placed on small operators; this assessment will be accompanied by a legislative proposal if needed.
Why is it important? Commissioner Jessika Roswall clearly indicated that she wanted to avoid reopening the whole EUDR text again and creating uncertainty for companies. The Commission will thus focus on amending secondary legislation, such as the country by country risk assessment, or the functioning of the official IT and reporting system.
The EUDR has undoubtedly prompted many questions across the food and beverage sector. In collaboration with TrusTrace, we created a series of articles that tackles the most common EUDR questions that F&B brands are asking.
Draft Act on Carbon Farming Was Released
What? The European Commission has released its draft delegated regulation establishing a methodology to certify carbon farming. The draft is open for feedback until 19 February.
Under the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF), the European Commission has to establish methodologies to assess and certify carbon capture techniques, from industrial carbon capture to storing carbon in agricultural soils.
Why is it important? Farming practices that favour carbon storage in soils often deliver many other environmental benefits. By putting in place a certification framework allowing farmers to certify carbon storage and sell carbon credits, the European Commission hopes to create a new revenue stream for farmers and encourage better farming practices.
Livestock Strategy Expected in Q2 2026, While Content Remains Uncertain
What? The European Commission confirmed that it hoped to present a new livestock strategy before the summer. The Commission has established a livestock workstream covering many topics, including competitiveness, environmental sustainability, animal health, market remuneration, research and innovation, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The workstream, proposed in the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, takes the form of a series of meetings gathering stakeholders, Member States, civil society and academics. The European Parliament has been working since June 2025 on its own non-legislative report on livestock, which could influence the Commission’s proposal.
The European Commission is expected to present its Livestock Strategy alongside a new EU Protein Diversification Strategy, addressing protein needs across the food system, including both human consumption and animal feed.
Why is it important? The Parliament’s work reflects the political priorities for the sector at European level. Considerable attention is given to animal health and disease prevention, CAP support, and tougher rules on imports to ensure a level playing field. It is likely that these elements will be strongly present in the livestock strategy.
Possible Exemption of Fertilisers from CBAM
What? Twelve Member States have formally called on the European Commission to temporarily exempt fertilisers from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The CBAM effectively puts in place higher tariffs on imports of carbon-intensive products, including fertilisers, coming from countries without a carbon credit system. In light of Member States’ and farmers’ concerns, the EU has already promised to suspend standard import tariffs on ammonia and urea. If the European Commission follows the Council’s wishes and puts forward a proposal to exempt fertilisers, it would also need to be approved by the European Parliament.
Why is it important? Fertilisers can account for up to 30% of production costs. Any increase in their price may have a significant impact on farmers, which is precisely why Member States are pushing to put CBAM on pause for this product. However, European producers of fertilisers are not happy, criticising a move that will increase their exposure to international competition.
The EU Signs Free Trade Agreements with Latin America and India
What? Within a single month, the European Commission has signed two major trade deals: one with Mercosur, a group of four Latin American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – and one with India. The geopolitical instability brought by the U.S. government has played a significant role in encouraging signatories of the trade deals to reach an agreement and reduce their dependencies on a single economic partner.
The deals still have to be ratified by Member States and require the European Parliament’s consent. Mercosur’s ratification process is expected to last long, as the European Parliament voted to refer the trade deal to the EU Court of Justice for a legal opinion
Why is it important? The free trade agreements will considerably increase exchanges of agricultural commodities between the EU and its trade partners. EU goods exports to India are expected to double by 2032, with high-value exporting sectors like wine and beverages benefiting from lower tariffs. The dairy sector is expected to be a winner of the Mercosur deal, while European meat producers are worried about unfair competition.
10-13 February 2026
From 10-13 February 2026, the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre will once again be the place where the international organic food and natural cosmetics industry comes together.
11 February 2026
The Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations organises this event exploring four policy scenarios for the meat sector in the EU. The event will be held in Brussels and will be livestreamed.
19 February 2026
Stakeholders have until 19 February 2026 to submit their feedback to the draft methodologies for certifying carbon farming.
24-27 February 2026
The Food Drink Partnership Days will take place in Brussels from 24-27 February 2026 with thought-provoking discussions to shape the future of our food systems. The Partnership Days are hosted by FoodDrinkEurope, representing the 310,000 enterprises that make up Europe’s largest manufacturing sector and employ more than 4.8 million people.
If you have questions regarding anything in the Ohana Agri-Food Monthly Insights, please reach out to Natalia Yerashevich at natalia@ohanapublicaffairs.eu, or Francesca Fina at francesca@ohanapublicaffairs.eu