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Slowdown of Agricultural Production in France Compared to Europe

While the European Union maintains its position as a leader in agricultural exports, France struggles to keep pace. Lawmakers and the government are questioning what measures to take to reverse this trend and revive production dynamics, which are essential for the country's competitiveness in the European market.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Production et export : dans une Europe agricole qui accélère..." - 4 February 2026

Forecasts 2035: Rapeseed Weakened by Biofuels, Sunflower Supported by Food Demand

According to projections from the European Commission, European demand for rapeseed intended for biofuels could decline by 4.5% by 2035, undermining the economic balance of the sector. In contrast, sunflower would benefit from more stable demand, primarily driven by food uses, outlining contrasting prospects for these two major oilseed crops.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Prévisions 2035 : les filières européennes de colza et de to..." - 27 January 2026

Deregulation of GM Microorganisms: A New Step in Europe

On December 16, 2025, the European Commission proposed amending Directive 2001/18 to facilitate the marketing of genetically modified microorganisms. This initiative aims to reduce regulatory requirements, particularly regarding traceability and environmental monitoring, and is part of a broader context of deregulation of GMOs, following plants and in anticipation of potential deregulation of animals in 2026. Inf’OGM is preparing to analyze the implications of this controversial proposal.

Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "La déréglementation des micro-organismes OGM est en cours" - 20 January 2026

AHyTEC and KIIO: Innovations for a More Efficient and Sustainable Industry

AHyTEC and KIIO, two startup projects from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), have just joined the Startup Launchpad with a prize of 30,000 francs each, confirming the potential of their solutions for the industry, applicable to agriculture. One transforms waste heat into electricity, while the other revolutionizes process monitoring to anticipate failures and improve reliability.

Source: Epfl, published under the title "AHyTEC and KIIO selected for Ignition grants to transform in..." - 20 January 2026

Fribourg: A Model of Agro-Food Innovation in Switzerland

Fribourg's agro-food strategy, launched in 2021, reviews its progress one year ahead of elections. With a financial support of 4.8 million CHF for 27 projects, the canton focuses on biomass valorization, the implementation of digital technologies, and citizen engagement for sustainable food. Innovations such as an electric weeding robot and a project converting cheese waste into hydrogen illustrate Fribourg's ambitions to become a hub in the agro-food sector.

Source: Agir Info, published under the title "Fribourg vu comme pôle d’attraction agroalimentaire" - 18 January 2026

Growing Pineapples in France: The Innovative Bet of CTIFL

The Technical Interprofessional Centre for Fruits and Vegetables is testing pineapple cultivation in southern France, aiming to adapt to new climatic conditions. While agronomic feasibility appears promising, economic viability and challenges related to lighting and plant acclimatization remain to be assessed. This project could offer a new avenue for diversifying crops and enhancing food self-sufficiency in the mainland.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Et si l’ananas s’implantait dans le Sud de la France ?" - 17 January 2026

EU Council Upholds Patentability of GMOs from New Genetic Techniques

On December 19, 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted a provisional text supporting the patentability of GMOs derived from new genetic techniques (NGTs), despite opposition from the European Parliament in 2024. This text, which disregards the concerns of farmers and small seed companies, is set for validation in 2026, with no possibility for amendments. This decision raises questions about the impact of patents on innovation and the adoption of GMOs in Europe.

Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Le Conseil de l’UE soutient la brevetabilité des OGM/NTG" - 15 January 2026

EU's CBAM Paralyzes the Fertilizer Market

The implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Commission is causing paralysis in the fertilizer market across Europe. Industry players are facing increasing uncertainty, exacerbated by proposals for retroactive policy changes. Fertilizer producers, already grappling with decarbonization challenges, struggle to adjust their prices, threatening the economic stability of farmers and the competitiveness of the sector.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "EU - CBAM emergency brake throws fertilizer market into para..." - 15 January 2026

Europe Accelerates Biocontrol Deployment with Its Omnibus

On December 16, 2025, the European Commission presented a set of measures aimed at "increasing the competitiveness of the agri-food industry and farmers." Among these are provisions favorable to the deployment of biocontrol. The IBMA, the international biocontrol association, welcomed the proposal.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Une proposition européenne favorable au déploiement du bioco..." - 18 December 2025

Mercosur: The EU Strengthens Agricultural Safeguards for Europe

As Brazil grows impatient and the European Council convenes in Brussels, European institutions have bolstered protective measures for the EU-Mercosur agreement, aiming to safeguard European agriculture against massive imports. This agreement, sealed on December 17, could mark a turning point for innovation in agritech, promoting sustainable practices and fair competition amid rising climate challenges. Technological advancements in plant biotechnology and crop management may thus become essential to counter economic impacts.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Mercosur : un petit pas pour améliorer les mesures de sauveg..." - 18 December 2025

Collective Entrepreneurship: The Key to Sustainable Territories

FRANCE. Groups of farmers are innovating for sustainable agriculture. From circular economy to local jobs, entrepreneurial initiatives like GIEE and cooperatives strengthen community ties to address territorial challenges. Exclusive interview with Sandrine Jean, management expert.

Publié par Le réseau CERFRANCE, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "L’entrepreneuriat collectif, moteur d’activité durable" - 18 December 2025

EU Agricultural Outlook Towards 2035

The Commission has unveiled its report on productivity growth hindered by climate change and input costs. It proposes a simplified and more targeted Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the post-2027 period to address ongoing challenges.

Source: European Commission Common Agricultural Policy, published under the title "EU Agricultural Outlook 2025-35: EU agriculture navigates ch..." - 18 December 2025

The European Commission Validates New Genomic Techniques

The EU has adopted a framework distinguishing two categories of plants derived from new genomic techniques (NGTs); category 1 plants, comparable to conventional varieties, are exempt from GMO legislation after verification, while category 2 plants remain subject to risk assessment, traceability, and labeling. NGTs enable precise and rapid modifications to develop plant varieties that are more resilient to climate, pests, and resource-efficient, promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting the competitiveness of the European agricultural sector.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "EU Commission Welcomes Political Agreement on New Genomic Te..." - 5 December 2025

Unfair Trading Practices: What the Directive Has Changed

According to a commission report, the 2019 Unfair Trading Practices Directive has already contributed to fostering a fairer and more balanced trading environment within the agri-food supply chain. A review is planned to better combat sales below production costs.

Source: European Commission Common Agricultural Policy, published under the title "Commission carried out evaluation of the Directive on unfair..." - 2 December 2025

CAP 2028-2034: €293.7 Billion to Support Agricultural Incomes

The new European Common Agricultural Policy for the 2028-2034 period allocates €293.7 billion to directly support agricultural incomes, €453 billion for innovation and rural initiatives, and a safety net of €6.3 billion to tackle crises.

Source: European Commission Common Agricultural Policy, published under the title "The CAP 2028–2034 proposal explained: fairer, better targete..." - 2 December 2025

What Does the First European Soil Health Law Envision?

The first European law on soil health was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on November 26, 2025. It emphasizes the establishment of a soil monitoring framework and the assessment of soil conditions across the Union. This measure marks a turning point towards more responsible management of land resources in the face of climate challenges.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Que prévoit la première loi européenne pour la santé des sol..." - 2 December 2025

It Would Be Better to Suspend Free Trade Agreements on Agriculture

Thierry Pouch, an expert from the French Chambers of Agriculture, raises the alarm: France's agri-food trade balance is collapsing, with a cumulative deficit of 961 million euros over eleven months, an 85% drop compared to 2024, and uninterrupted monthly deficits since January 2025.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "« Il vaudrait mieux suspendre les accords de libre-échange s..." - 2 December 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Registering European Geographical Indications

A recent tool has been made available by the European Union (EU) to provide clear guidelines to producers and producer groups, guiding them on how to register their agri-food products under EU quality schemes, such as PDO or PGI, to ensure technical and regulatory compliance.

Source: European Commission Common Agricultural Policy, published under the title "All you need to know about how to register your Geographical..." - 26 November 2025

France: Third Consecutive Year of Losses for Grain Farmers

Soft wheat for 2025 is priced at €65/ton, below the breakeven point: once again, the economic outlook for farms specializing in cereal and oilseed production is bleak, according to the Arvalis-Unigrains observatory. Low prices, a result of abundant global harvests, fail to cover costs inflated by inflation.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Troisième année dans le rouge pour les céréaliers" - 26 November 2025

France: Agrivoltaics Goes Online

The National Agrivoltaics Observatory is finally online. This key tool for cataloging over 200 installations and monitoring the development of the energy sector will allow us to "examine the reality of successful projects," according to Jules Nyssen, president of the Renewable Energy Union.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "L'observatoire de l'agrivoltaïsme est enfin en ligne" - 26 November 2025