The publication of the European Commission’s strategy which will set out its plan to create a sustainable food production system for Europe has been delayed until the end of April.

The Farm to Fork strategy, part of the Commission’s green deal initiative aimed at making Europe climate neutral by 2050, was due to be published on 25 March.

However, the outbreak of coronavirus means it has been pushed back to the provisional date of 29 April.

DG Sante

The strategy, under the remit of the health commissioner, could have a major bearing on agriculture, with reductions in the use of plant protection products, fertiliser, and antibiotics all on the cards. Enhancing animal welfare legislation is also likely to feature prominently.

A leaked draft of the plan had radical proposals for the future of food labelling in Europe.

Another potentially significant document for agriculture that has been delayed is the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030. It will also be unveiled on 29 April.

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Pesticide, fertiliser and antibiotic usage are likely to be in the firing line of the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy.