The European Parliament's AGRI Committee on 5 May 2026 debated the revision of the organic regulation and China's anti-dumping duties on EU pork, with broad agreement on finishing the organic file by year-end but diverging views on the scope of changes and the Commission's response to trade measures.
On organics, Camilla Laureti (S&D) urged a targeted revision by the 31 December 2026 deadline to preserve equivalence arrangements, warning that broader changes would reopen settled issues. Herbert Dorfmann (EPP) backed a limited fix, while Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA) pushed for changes on the 5% rule and group certification. Gijs Schilthuis (European Commission) defended a targeted amendment and argued that pigs, protein feed, and grazing fit better in secondary law. On equivalence, Marta Wcisło (EPP) and Gilles Pennelle (PfE) called for faster transition to trade agreements, while Schilthuis noted equivalence covers much EU trade. On residues, Schilthuis rejected immediate legislative change, preferring work with member states; Häusling criticised lack of harmonisation.
On pork, Elisabetta Siracusa (European Commission) argued China's duties are retaliatory and outlined legal assessment and diversification. Gilles Pennelle (PfE) criticised Commission passivity, while Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) questioned why no WTO case was launched. Stefano Bonaccini (S&D) called for diplomatic and trade-defence action. Several MEPs highlighted national exposure: Cristina Maestre (S&D) noted a 50% fall in Spanish exports, Ciaran Mullooly (Renew) Irish losses of €100 million.
Consensus emerged on finishing the organic file by year-end, simplifying rules, and preserving consumer trust. Laureti concluded that unresolved issues like the 5% rule and ten-year period require further work before the July vote. Next steps include shadows' meetings and a vote in July.
Organic farmers face regulatory uncertainty if the revision is delayed, while pigmeat producers and exporters suffer from reduced access to the Chinese market. Processors may benefit from simplified organic rules, and consumers gain from maintained trust in organic labels. The Commission's cautious approach on residues and trade defence leaves some MEPs dissatisfied, potentially affecting the speed of legislative progress.