On 24 June 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, 2021/2115 and 2021/2116 to strengthen farmers' position in the food supply chain, based on the trilogue compromise reached on 5 March 2026. The regulation introduces mandatory written contracts for agricultural products, extends competition law derogations to non-recognised producer organisations, and imposes restrictions on meat-related terms for plant-based products, among other measures. Several member states expressed reservations or voted against the text, citing concerns over bureaucracy, costs, and interference with national discretion.
Germany abstained, arguing that the regulation creates excessive bureaucracy and costs from protected meat designations, and that the instruments may not effectively achieve the goal. Berlin acknowledged derogations for written contracts (limited for dairy) and that terms like 'burger' and 'sausage' remain free, fish designations unaffected, with transitional periods. Latvia voted against, opposing mandatory written contracts—especially Article 148 for dairy—and mediation mechanisms, arguing these should be at member state discretion; it also opposed reducing the minimum supply value threshold from EUR 20,000 to EUR 10,000. The Netherlands welcomed the agreement on contractual relations but could not support last-minute restrictions on meat-related terms and cultivated meat, citing regulatory burden, hindered innovation, and conflict with the Draghi Report's competitiveness recommendations. Austria voted in favour but criticised mandatory written contracts for all agricultural products (including dairy), a new unilateral revision clause for contracts over 12 months (six months in dairy), and extension of competition law derogations to non-recognised producer organisations, warning of increased administrative burden, legal uncertainty, and weakened recognised producer organisations; it called for a Commission evaluation.
The Commission announced a revision of EU public procurement rules for Q2 2026 to enable sustainability, resilience, and European-preference criteria, supporting small farms, local production, and short supply chains.
The regulation is adopted despite significant member state reservations about mandatory contracts, meat labelling, and competition law extensions, with the Commission promising future procurement reforms to support local food.