The European Parliament's AGRI committee on 13 July 2026 debated three major files: generational renewal in farming, the EU-Australia trade agreement, and fertiliser prices, revealing divergent positions among political groups on each issue.
On generational renewal, rapporteur Maria Walsh (EPP) pushed for a 10% CAP ring-fence, improved land access, and succession support, backed by Jérémy Decerle (Renew) and others. Maria Grapini (S&D) warned against pre-empting post-2027 CAP talks, while Gilles Pennelle (PfE) stressed income support and less red tape. Cristina Guarda (Greens/EFA) tied renewal to climate resilience. The Commission noted its 6% recommendation versus Parliament's 10% demand, leaving a gap to be bridged. Compromise amendments are expected to start in mid-September.
On the Australia deal, the Commission representative defended the agreement as geopolitically beneficial, citing a 35,000-tonne sugar quota (0.3% of EU consumption) and safeguards to follow. Herbert Dorfmann (EPP) warned of cumulative effects with other FTAs, while Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) and Elsi Katainen (Renew) requested cumulative impact assessments. Gilles Pennelle (PfE) denounced further concessions, and Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left) questioned the strategic autonomy narrative. A safeguards instrument will be presented before consent.
On fertilisers, Antonio Hoxha (Fertilizers Europe) argued mineral fertilisers remain indispensable and warned against deindustrialisation, while Eric Meers (Ghent University) promoted circularity and precision fertilisation. Fran Gorman (Irish Farmers Association) urged suspending CBAM until affordable alternatives exist, a view opposed by Thomas Waitz (Greens/EFA). The Commission outlined steps including market observatory reinforcement and a fertiliser value-chain partnership in Q3 2026.
Farmers face potential higher costs if CBAM is applied without alternatives, but benefit from long-term sustainability measures. Fertiliser industry risks deindustrialisation if mineral fertilisers are phased out too quickly. EU trade negotiators gain a geopolitical win with Australia, but cumulative FTA effects may pressure sensitive sectors like sugar. Environmental groups see progress in circular fertilisation and climate-resilient farming, though at potential short-term economic cost.