On 6 July 2026, the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) agreed to invite the Council to adopt a legislative act amending CAP strategic plans and horizontal regulations concerning fertilisers, and to derogate from the eight-week period for national parliaments, at the Council session on 13 July 2026. The act is expected to be adopted as an "A" item without debate.
The SCA also prepared several items for the upcoming Council meeting, including a debate on women in agriculture, a livestock strategy and protein plan, and trade-related agricultural issues. The Commission is to regularly update the SCA on trade matters. The Irish Presidency presented its work programme, which the SCA took note of. Delegated acts for the second half of 2026 were discussed, with the Presidency possibly proposing future agenda items.
Slovakia submitted a statement, set out in document 11353/26 ADD 1. Hungary's two joint declarations and Italy's budget item for 2027 agricultural product promotion were agreed as public "any other business" items, alongside the women in agriculture debate. The Presidency urged limiting AOB items at Council. The next SCA meeting is scheduled for 1 September 2026.
The fertiliser amendment aims to adjust CAP rules to address market challenges, impacting EU farmers who may benefit from more flexible fertiliser use but face potential environmental scrutiny, and EU agri-food businesses that could see changes in input costs. National authorities will need to implement the revised plans, while environmental NGOs may raise concerns about increased fertiliser use. The Council's adoption on 13 July will formalise the changes, with the European Parliament having already been consulted.