As the beautiful summer of 2025 fades into a warm and hazy memory, the EU policy machine is in full swing again. With so many pots on the boil, (and the rain pouring down outside) a brief reflection of CELCAA’s autumn is warranted.
The European Board on Agriculture and Food met for its 4th plenary on 29 September. ‘Simplification’ was the order of the day, and the conclusion of inter-stakeholder discussions was… TBC. Rather than a ‘one-off’ action, simplification of EU legislation and rules is an ongoing process. A marathon, not a sprint. A river that flows gradually and continuously to the sea. Simplification has not been parked, it will feed into all initiatives going forward – how can goals be achieved in the least onerous way possible, without compromising on environmental protection, economic stability etc.?
CELCAA has continued its advocacy for a dynamically aligned SPS agreement with the UK, which is the EU’s closest neighbour and, increasingly, looking to be a solid safe bet for a reliable trading relationship. CELCAA attended a meeting in the UK Mission on 1 October with the DEFRA deputy chief negotiator for an SPS agreement, stating the wishes of members and presenting some of the challenges the post-Brexit trading reality has created. CELCAA was also present at a meeting with the UK House of Commons EFRA committee on 13 October, echoing messages of support for this important initiative. As long as a situation persists where border controls question the ‘blueness’ of a Stilton cheese, CELCAA will continue to be loud and proud in support of a better way forward.
CELCAA enjoyed some positive engagement with North American partners this month. On 17 October, the CELCAA secretary general met with a Canadian agri-food delegation visiting Brussels and discussed the EU policy landscape and the opportunities for added-value partnerships between EU and Canadian agri-food businesses. The message was clear – Canada is open for business!
On 20 October, CELCAA has the pleasure of meeting NASDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, on a trip to Brussels. Representatives from the states of Illinois, Maine, Wyoming and from the NASDA secretariat conversed with CELCAA on the Vision for Agriculture, NGTs and the current state of play of EUDR.
Next week is a school holiday week in all of Belgium and across much of Europe, the meeting carousel will slow down slightly (but not completely). Trade and agri-food never truly sleep.
#keepitallmoving