Qing-Ming Gao, group leader for trait development, examines canola plants at a Cibus Inc. greenhouse in San Diego.

EU loosens rules for new genomic techniques

A recent decision by the European Parliament could open opportunities for crop development and international trade

Glacier FarmMedia – A European Parliament decision last month to adopt new rules for what it calls new genomic techniques (NGTs) is good news for agriculture and international trade, say […] Read more

Polish farmers gather as they protest at Lithuanian border, alleging Ukrainian grain transports are brought back into Poland as ‘EU’ grain, and against European Union ‘Green Deal” near border crossing at Polish Lithuanian border in Budzisko, Poland, March 1, 2024. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

Polish farmers take grain protests to Lithuanian border

Farmers continue to protest against what they say is unfair competition from outside the EU

Polish farmers protested on the border with Lithuania on Friday against what they say are imports of Ukrainian grain through the Baltic country, something the Lithuanian officials deny.



French farmers drive their tractors on a highway as they protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation, grievances shared by farmers across Europe, in Longvilliers, near Paris, France, January 29, 2024. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

EU recommends ambitious 2040 climate target, goes light on farming

In face of farmer protests, EU weakens some recommendations related to agriculture

The European Commission recommended on Tuesday that the EU slash net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040, an ambitious target that will test political appetite for the region's fight against climate change ahead of EU elections.


Protesters lead a cow on a street in downtown Milan as people protest against European agricultural policies, next to the Regional Council of Lombardy in Milan, Italy February 5, 2024. REUTERS/Claudia Greco

Italy’s farmers head to Rome in tractor convoy protest

Protests in France, Germany eased; farmers blocked Dutch-Belgian border

Italian farmers protesting about red tape and cheap imports from outside the EU headed towards Rome in convoys of tractors on Monday, while their colleagues in the north led a cow through the streets of Milan.


A hay bale is moved by a tractor over a pile to block a road, as French farmers protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation, grievances shared by farmers across Europe, near Castelnaudary, in the south of France, January 23, 2024. The text on the hay bales reads: “JA” referring to “Jeunes Agriculteurs” (Young Farmers) and “We just want to feed, not die”. Photo: Reuters/Nacho Doce

One dead, two injured as French farmer protests spread

Farmers union says road blocks won't be lifted until government action on economic, regulatory concerns

Protesting farmers blocked roads across France on Tuesday and there was one fatal accident, as their unions urged the government to ease its drive for lower consumer prices and reduce environmental regulations.


Farmers protesting in Toulouse, France, on January 16, 2024, with tractors bearing placards that read ‘Macron still an effort, soon all farmers will be dead’. Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto via Reuters

France could face nationwide farmer protests as anger mounts

Farmers cite fuel taxes, excessive restrictions and red tape among grievances

France's largest farm union FNSEA is considering nationwide protests in the coming weeks, a spokesperson said on Friday, potentially expanding action by farmers in the southwest who have blocked a highway and dumped manure on public buildings.

A customer pushes a shopping cart past organic products at the Bio fruits and vegetables section in a supermarket in Gattierese, France.

EU organic output out of step with consumption

European farmers say they are encouraged to produce organically amid waning consumer interest

Organic consumption is falling in Europe even as governments mandate more production using that farming system. The European Commission is not paying attention to what people want, said Lode Ceyssens, […] Read more