EU Agricultural Policy, Nutrient Recovery, Oriental Hornets and Support for Small Producers
Review period: 17–23 October 2026
The Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries (GCAF) continues to monitor policy developments at European and national levels that may influence the future of agriculture, livestock farming, beekeeping and fisheries in Gozo.
This week’s briefing highlights five important developments, including progress in negotiations on the EU’s post-2027 agricultural framework, proposed changes to manure-derived fertiliser rules, Malta’s national response to the Oriental hornet, ongoing negotiations on the next EU budget, and a European state-aid measure addressing rising fuel costs.
Together, these developments underline the importance of ensuring that European and national policies reflect the particular circumstances of small islands, where fragmented agricultural holdings, limited land availability, high operating costs and logistical constraints can place producers at a structural disadvantage.
1. EU Council Advances Negotiations on Agricultural Market Rules After 2027
The Council of the European Union adopted a partial negotiating position on the future common market organisation for agricultural products on 19 October 2026.
The proposed framework addresses several areas of agricultural policy, including sectoral interventions, marketing standards, support for school schemes and measures to improve preparedness for market disruptions.
A significant feature of the proposed arrangements is the closer integration of agricultural support within broader national and regional partnership plans, alongside other European funding priorities.
Why this matters for Gozo
For small agricultural communities such as Gozo, the structure of future support programmes will be just as important as the overall level of European funding.
Small and fragmented holdings frequently face difficulties accessing schemes designed around larger production volumes or more complex administrative requirements.
GCAF considers that Malta’s future agricultural framework should include appropriate provisions supporting producer cooperation, local marketing, short supply chains and accessible crisis-response measures.
Particular attention should also be given to the needs of small fruit and vegetable producers, beekeepers and agricultural enterprises operating within the limitations of an island economy.
GCAF policy priority: Ensure that Malta’s future national plan contains identifiable measures for Gozo, with accessible funding arrangements and practical support for small agricultural producers.
2. European Commission Proposes Greater Flexibility for Manure-Derived Fertilisers
On 19 October 2026, the European Commission published a proposal extending certain provisions governing recovered nitrogen from manure to qualifying liquid digestates.
The initiative could permit specific manure-derived fertiliser products to be applied beyond the conventional limit of 170 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare, provided that the relevant quality and environmental safeguards are satisfied.
The proposed changes seek to encourage nutrient recovery, reduce dependence on imported mineral fertilisers and support more circular agricultural practices.
Why this matters for Gozo
Livestock manure management remains an important challenge for Gozo’s agricultural sector.
Limited agricultural land, environmental pressures, transport costs and the need for suitable treatment infrastructure complicate the sustainable management of livestock waste.
Improved opportunities for nutrient recovery could contribute to a more sustainable system while potentially reducing fertiliser costs.
However, any changes must account for Gozo’s limited land availability and the vulnerability of groundwater resources.
GCAF believes that the successful introduction of recovered fertiliser products requires affordable testing, appropriate storage and transport facilities, and arrangements that remain accessible to smaller livestock holdings.
GCAF policy priority: Participate in the European Commission’s consultation and advocate for an island-sensitive approach that balances circular nutrient recovery with environmental protection and the practical needs of small farmers.
3. Malta Announces National Action Plan Against the Oriental Hornet
On 21 October 2026, the Maltese Government announced a national action plan addressing the growing threat posed by the Oriental hornet to beekeeping and the wider environment.
The approximately €1 million initiative includes measures covering monitoring and research, assistance for beekeepers, protection of the Maltese honey bee, nest reporting and destruction, public awareness and national coordination.
The announcement represents an important development in addressing a problem that has generated increasing concern among beekeepers and agricultural stakeholders.
Why this matters for Gozo
The Oriental hornet presents a serious challenge to honey bee colonies and the sustainability of local apiculture.
Beyond honey production, healthy bee populations are essential for pollination, biodiversity and the wider agricultural environment.
GCAF has previously highlighted this issue through its policy work and its position paper examining the Oriental hornet threat in Malta and Gozo.
While the announcement of a coordinated national response is welcome, effective implementation will be essential.
Gozo requires adequate monitoring, accessible nest-removal services, timely intervention and support measures that recognise the needs of both commercial and small-scale beekeepers.
Preparatory action before the spring emergence of hornet queens will be particularly important.
GCAF policy priority: Seek participation in the national coordination process and request a clear Gozo implementation timetable, including information on financial assistance, reporting procedures, monitoring and response capacity.
4. Negotiations Continue on the EU’s 2028–2034 Budget
A European Parliamentary Research Service analysis published on 20 October 2026 highlighted continuing differences among Member States over the European Union’s next long-term budget.
The negotiations will determine the future financial framework for several important policy areas, including agriculture, fisheries and regional development.
Malta is among the Member States advocating the protection of cohesion funding and agricultural resources.
Further discussions are expected during November, including meetings intended to advance negotiations on the future financial framework.
Why this matters for Gozo
For Gozo, the significance of these negotiations extends beyond the total funding allocated to Malta.
The way funding is distributed nationally, the conditions attached to individual schemes and the accessibility of support programmes will determine whether smaller agricultural and fisheries operators benefit meaningfully.
GCAF considers that Gozo’s geographic and economic circumstances warrant explicit recognition in national funding arrangements.
Future programmes should take account of additional transport costs, limited economies of scale, small landholdings and the difficulties facing young people seeking to establish agricultural or fisheries enterprises.
GCAF policy priority: Advocate for identifiable Gozo-specific allocations, island-adjusted support measures and transparent delivery mechanisms within Malta’s future European funding framework.
5. European Commission Approves Targeted Fuel Support in Slovenia
On 21 October 2026, the European Commission announced approval of a €500,000 Slovenian state-aid scheme supporting eligible agricultural, fisheries and marine aquaculture operators affected by exceptional increases in fuel costs.
The measure provides direct grants covering up to 70% of eligible additional fuel expenditure under the applicable temporary state-aid framework.
The scheme demonstrates how targeted financial assistance can be structured to address exceptional operating-cost pressures affecting primary production.
Why this matters for Gozo
Fuel and energy costs represent a significant operating expense for farmers and fishers, particularly those working at a relatively small scale.
For Gozo’s fishing community, fuel expenditure directly influences the economic viability of fishing trips, while agricultural operators face similar pressures from machinery, transport and production activities.
The Slovenian measure provides a useful example for Malta to examine when considering targeted support for vulnerable operators.
Any comparable Maltese initiative would need to satisfy the relevant European state-aid conditions and be supported by evidence of eligible exceptional cost increases.
GCAF policy priority: Encourage the Maltese authorities to assess whether a proportionate, targeted fuel-support mechanism could assist small-scale fishers and vulnerable agricultural enterprises.
GCAF’s Priorities Going Forward
The developments highlighted this week reinforce several areas requiring continued engagement with European institutions and national authorities.
GCAF will continue to focus its policy work on:
- Sustainable livestock and manure management: Promoting workable nutrient-recovery solutions while safeguarding Gozo’s land and groundwater resources.
- Protection of beekeeping and biodiversity: Supporting effective, coordinated implementation of measures addressing the Oriental hornet.
- Fair access to European funding: Ensuring that the post-2027 agricultural and financial frameworks recognise Gozo’s particular circumstances.
- Economic resilience of small producers: Encouraging practical assistance for agricultural and fisheries operators facing exceptional production and operating costs.
- Representation in policy development: Strengthening the participation of Gozitan agricultural and fisheries stakeholders in decisions affecting their sectors.
Looking Ahead
As discussion