MEP Anna Maria Cisint (Patriots for Europe) has asked the European Commission to reverse its proposed halving of the EU agri-food promotion budget, arguing the cut contradicts the institution's own farm-to-fork strategy objectives. In a written parliamentary question dated 6 July 2026, Cisint warned that reducing funding from EUR 205 million to EUR 112 million in the 2027 work programme would undermine efforts to promote healthy diets, local products, and short supply chains, and would leave EU farmers exposed to unregulated imports.
first, that the Commission reassess the need to increase promotion resources in line with farm-to-fork goals; second, that it bolster European food sovereignty through a targeted campaign protecting EU-grown products. Cisint framed the cut as a strategic mistake, arguing that support for local products is an investment in farm businesses' resilience against international market pressures.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether the executive intends to maintain the proposed reduction or adjust course ahead of the 2027 budget adoption.