Publication of the Farm to Fork Strategy delayed

The strategy was due to be adopted by EU Commissioners on the 25 March. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is also due to be published on the 29 April, as is an impact study on the current Common Agricultural Policy (2014-2020).

Second round of EU-UK future relationship negotiations

The second round of the negotiations between the UK and the EU that were due to begin on the 18 March, did not take place.

Whilst there were discussions of conducting the talks via videoconferencing, the unfolding coronavirus crises put talks on hold.

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also confirmed on the 19 March that he had tested positive for the virus and he and his team are now therefore in strict isolation.

The next round of discussions are scheduled for the 6-8 April, though these are unlikely to be face to face.

The EU has published its draft legal text. We understand that the UK has shared its draft legal text with the EU but has no plans to “publish” it yet. The UK government still insists that the Brexit transition period will end in December this year.

Member states allowed to extend funding application deadline

The European Commission last week announced that it will allow member states to extend the deadline for applications for CAP payments. The deadline will now be 15 June, but it is up to the member states to decide whether they will use this flexibility or not. The time is to allow farmers more time to complete their applications during an unprecedented period of uncertainty.

Italy had been granted the extension the previous week due to the advanced situation and following a request from the Italian authorities. On the other hand, the Irish agriculture minister last week said that Ireland would not be using the extension as there are concerns it could result in delays in implementation further down the line.