Bioeconomy strategy, organic farming regulation: Cyprus Presidency's priorities for the AGRI/ENVI sectors
The European strategy on the bioeconomy and the amendments of the regulation on organic farming were the two main items on the agenda of the first Agriculture and Fisheries Council chaired by Cyprus on 26/01/2026 in Brussels.
"Agriculture is at the heart of European autonomy and resilience. In this context, the bioeconomy plays an essential role as it connects sectors," declared Maria Panayiotou, Cyprus' Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment. "We need the North Sea, for example, to provide energy and food. We also need circular economy, so that we can take advantage of the full potential of the bioeconomy. This is not limited to innovation, but includes modernising our industrial base and creating a new value chain, while protecting biodiversity and the environment."
The Presidency has announced that the conclusions on the European strategy on the bioeconomy will be adopted in spring 2026 at the Environment Council, and that the contributions of the agriculture ministers will be incorporated into it.
The ministers also proposed amendments to the regulations on organic farming, "which is very important for protecting the environment, biodiversity and rural communities", said Maria Panayiotou. "It also acts as a driver for generational renewal."
These amendments "respond to what stakeholders have asked us to do", said the Cypriot minister:
• simpler and more effective regulations;
• strengthening the competitiveness of the organic sector by reducing the costs associated with regulations;
• rapid adoption of these amendments, both for European consumers and the organic sector, as well as for trade with third countries.
The Council has adopted a mandate to negotiate with the European Parliament with a view to bringing the new rules on organic farming into force before the end of 2026.
Amendment to the European regulation on organic farming
The proposal to amend the regulations on organic farming was published on 17/12/2025 by the European Commission. Among other things, it aims to:
• clarify the rules on imports of organic products from third countries in a context where "EU standards are the most demanding in the world", to enable consumers to make an informed choice and ensure fair competition between organic producers in EU countries and third countries.
• postpone the expiry of equivalence recognitions with 11 third countries beyond 31/12/2026 to "avoid potential disruption to international trade". The 11 countries are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Israel, Japan, Tunisia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States.
• simplify the current regulatory framework on the basis of consultations carried out by the Commission.
"Entry into force before the end of 2026 will help preserve legal certainty for trade with third countries. (Council conclusions)
"In order for the EU organic sector and consumers to benefit quickly from these changes, particularly in view of the geopolitical challenges facing EU agriculture, there is a broad consensus on the need for this legislation to enter into force before the end of 2026. This will help to preserve legal certainty with regard to trade with third countries", read the conclusions of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 26/01/2026.
European strategy for the bioeconomy
The European strategy for the bioeconomy, presented by the Commission on 27/11/2025, provides for:
• the creation of lead markets in certain areas such as bioplastics, construction materials, textiles, biochemicals and biopesticides, through regulatory incentives and the facilitation of public procurement;
• the creation of a bioeconomy investment deployment group to attract private capital more effectively;
• ensure the sustainable use of biomass while supporting the farmers and foresters who contribute to it;
• diversify the EU's global partnerships to reduce vulnerability and dependence on any single region or resource.
"Do not compromise food security through this strategy". (Council conclusions)
"Ministers welcomed the new strategy, stressing in particular its importance for rural areas, its long-term competitiveness and its role in diversifying farmers' incomes. Some ministers stressed the need not to compromise food security and to harmonise and simplify the applicable rules and procedures", the Council conclusions add.
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