Subsidies paid to EU farmers to leave land fallow have been suspended this afternoon (26 September), following concerns about potential food shortages and high prices.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The EU Council of Minister has abandoned “set aside” payments for the rest of this year and for spring 2008 sowings.


A rule ordering 10% of land to be left fallow has been temporarily scrapped in response to the tightening of the cereals market and a supply shortage caused by recent poor weather.


EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said she may next month propose that the set-aside policy, which in the past has successfully combated grain over-production, should be abolished altogether.


The latest move is estimated to put an extra 10m tonnes of cereals on next year’s yield, easing commodity cost pressure on food processors throughout the EU.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

With poor weather slashing EU grain yields and US producers switching production for bio-ethanol markets, grain prices have soared worldwide.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now