The 23rd and 24th February Agri Committee outcomes

The last Agri Committee took place on the 23rd and the 24th February 2026 at the European Parliament in Brussels. The Green Hand and its team followed, among other topics, the discussions on the EU’s agri-food promotion policy, the EU beekeeping sector and pesticides which are particularly relevant for Malta.

National origin agri-food promotion policy constitutes a quite efficient tool, allowing also for market diversification, especially in the current economic climate marked by tariffs and EU trade agreements with Third Countries, like MERCOSUR. It is indeed important on the one hand, to stress the quality and the cultural aspects of our produce and on the other, to support our competitiveness. Small producers and SMEs have to be supported more and administrative burden has to be lessened in order to have an equal and simplified access to promotional instruments.

The EU beekeeping sector is notably affected by price pressure and market disturbances regarding honey origin and composition. In this matter, both control and labeling to avoid honey alteration must guarantee fair competition while EU producers’ costs are raising. It is also worth remembering that the beekeeping sector plays a crucial role for agriculture through pollination and for biodiversity in general.

As for pesticides, EU farmers need fast and efficient access to regulated products including bio-pesticides and to alternative products when a specific product is withdrawn from the market. Both increasing Member States’ risk assessment capacities and adjusting processes regarding mutual recognition and certification requirements for pesticides are essential. Last but not least, fair competition when it comes to food importation from outside Europe must also be guaranteed as regards pesticides.

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