European Commission adopts exceptional and temporary measures over Ukraine Imports
The European Commission has adopted exceptional and temporary measures over imports of four agricultural products (wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed) which originate in Ukraine and exported to 5 neighbouring countries.
The Commission is aiming to alleviate logistical bottlenecks concerning these products in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The measures came into force on 2 May and will last until 5 June, however the measures could be extended beyond this date if the situation continues.
Exports from the Ukraine of the 4 products can continue to the rest of the EU. As a result of the measures Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have lifted their ban on wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed and any other products coming from Ukraine.
Promising signs for Welsh beef sector
A report released by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) has pointed towards a cause for optimism amongst Welsh Beef producers.
The average price in England and Wales for beef was £4.85 per kilo at the end of March. This is 17% higher than the levels seen in 2022, and 33% higher than the 5-year average for the time of year.
Despite major challenges, such as higher input and the cost of living crisis which has seen the proportion of cheaper mince products increasing by 54%, the outlook for the next 12 months looks positive.
Exports of Welsh beef rose by 20% in 2022 due to high worldwide demand for beef. The report expects this demand to continue in the near future.
European Commission approves Dutch plans to buy out livestock farms
The European Commission (EC) has approved plans by the Dutch government to use €1.47 billion to buy out livestock farmers to reduce nitrogen pollution.
The EC said that the plan is permissible under state aid rules. The Dutch ruling coalition wants to cut emissions, predominantly nitrogen oxide and ammonia, by 50 per cent nationwide by 2030.
Farmers in the Netherlands have been staging protests over emissions reduction targets since October 2019. This led to a pro-agriculture political party winning Dutch provincial elections in March.