A high-level dialogue took place in Brussels between representatives of the FAO, the EDA, the European Commission and the agri-food sector on sustainability, investment and the future of Europe’s agricultural sector. According to the European Dairy Association (EDA), the key topics were climate policy, the competitiveness of livestock farming, trade and Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s agricultural system.

High-level dialogue between the FAO and the EDA in Brussels

On 22 April, the European Dairy Association, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, held a high-level private sector dialogue in Brussels, which brought together around 50 representatives from EU institutions, the agri-food sectors and international organisations.

Key representatives from the FAO included:

  • Lauren M. Phillips;
  • Raschad Al-Khafaji;
  • Raimund Jehle;
  • Darya Alekseeva.

The organizers presented a new format for structured, results-oriented cooperation in the agri-food sector.

The discussions focused on three main areas:

  • the integration of climate action, biodiversity and land restoration;
  • enhancing the resilience of agri-food systems;
  • Funding for agri-food systems in Europe and Central Asia.

The European Commission, Danone and Arla are among the participants

The speakers at the event included:

  • Ricard Ramon;
  • Leonard Mizzi;
  • Arnold Puech d’Alissac.

The industry was represented by:

  • Hanae Idrissi Ouedrhiri (Danone)
  • Bongki Engel (Arla Foods).

Representatives from government bodies in Belgium and Israel also took part in the consultation, underscoring the broad international interest in the discussion.

EWPA at the ADPI 2026 conference in Chicago

Alexander Anton, Secretary General of the European Whey Processors Association, and Laurens van Delft, Deputy Secretary General, represented the association at the American Dairy Products Institute 2026 conference in Chicago.

The conference was dedicated to:

  • market prospects;
  • value-added ingredients;
  • the future of dairy ingredients.

The EWPA noted that the strong presence of European companies in the US market confirms the competitiveness of EU whey processors.

The EU–Mercosur agreement opens up new opportunities for the dairy sector

The EDA welcomed the provisional application of the trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur from 1 May 2026.

The agreement provides for:

  • a reduction in tariffs;
  • new tariff quotas;
  • better access for European manufacturers to the South American market.

The tariff quota for the export of 30,000 tonnes of cheese to Mercosur countries is of particular importance to the dairy sector.

Alexander Anton said: ‘The provisional application of the agreement is a concrete and positive signal for European dairy. It enhances our ability to compete globally while reinforcing partnerships with key markets in South America.’

The agreement also strengthens the protection of European geographical indications.

Ukraine is part of the EU’s agricultural architecture

During the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, gave a speech on the integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU’s common agricultural policy.

Oleksandra Avramenko emphasized: ‘Ukraine not only adds volume, but balance and resilience to the common market and can make European agriculture more robust and more strategically grounded – we need to unlock the full potential of the EU – Ukraine agrifood integration.’

Discussions are ongoing in the EU regarding the future of livestock farming

EDA also took part in the fifth meeting of the Livestock Workstream — consulting platform Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Among the key speakers were:

  • Wilhelm Windisch.

He emphasised the importance of livestock farming for circular food systems due to its ability to convert non-edible biomass into high-quality food.

The European Commission is expected to present a long-term strategy for the development of the EU livestock sector in July 2026.

The EDA supports the SPS Agreement between the EU and the UK

On 27 April, the EDA took part in a round-table discussion at the British Mission to the EU.

The parties discussed the forthcoming SPS agreement between the EU and the UK, which is intended to facilitate trade in agri-food products following Brexit.

The EDA advocates a model of dynamic regulatory alignment to avoid new trade barriers.

Hearings on Section 301 have begun in the US

Investigations are ongoing in Washington under Section 301 of the Office of the United States Trade Representative into a possible structural surplus of production capacity in a number of sectors, including the dairy industry.

The investigations cover 16 of the US’s trading partners, including the European Union.

EDA provides support throughout the process of the American Cheese Importers Association of America.

Source: EDA