The European Parliament's AGRI Committee on 4 May 2026 debated three major files — generational renewal in agriculture, EU hemp harmonisation, and the food-security impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis — exposing divergences between centre and fringe groups on each dossier.
On generational renewal, MEPs disagreed on whether CAP ring-fencing or broader national tools are the key to attracting young farmers. Maria Walsh (EPP) and Jérémy Decerle (Renew) argued for dedicated CAP funds, while Arndt Münch of the Austrian Institute advocated national-level instruments. Land access and farm income were central: Walsh and Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) stressed land barriers, while Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left) and Daniel Buda (EPP) emphasised viability. Ivan David (ESN) questioned the focus on family farms, while Thomas Waitz (Greens/EFA) defended them. Gender and rural services were highlighted by Walsh, Pär Holmgren (Greens/EFA), and Cristina Guarda (Greens/EFA).
THC threshold divides MEPs
On hemp, Brigitte Misonne from the Commission proposed harmonised rules with a 0.3% THC limit. Greens/EFA and Flanagan pushed for 0.5%, while Gilles Pennelle (PfE) and Ivan David (ESN) insisted on health safeguards. Processing and licensing gaps were flagged by Walsh and Flanagan.
fertiliser sovereignty vs global resilience
On the Hormuz crisis, Álvaro Lario of IFAD warned of deepening food insecurity. MEPs split between calls for EU fertiliser sovereignty (Gilles Pennelle, PfE; Daniel Buda, EPP) and global resilience (Lario; Martin Häusling, Greens/EFA). The Commission will adopt a fertilisers action plan on 19 May.
Affected stakeholders include young and women farmers, hemp growers and processors, smallholders in the Global South, and the EU fertiliser industry.