Working Group Meeting: Agriculture, Nutrition and Consumers (AgriNutriCom)

On 16 April 2026, SME Connect Working Group on Agriculture, Nutrition and Consumers (AgriNutriCom) convened under the chairmanship of Kristian Vigenin MEP (ENVI & SANT Committees) to discuss key policy developments shaping the EU’s food and farming agenda.

A dedicated presentation on protein diversification in the context of the 2028–2034 CAP was delivered by Rafael Pinto (European Vegetarian Union). He stressed that diversification “needs time and certainty for businesses” and highlighted the importance of creating the right conditions, noting that “we need stable investment aid” and “to ensure that there is a market”. The discussion focused on the role of alternative protein sources in strengthening food system resilience and contributing to sustainability objectives, as well as the need for coherent policy support and a level playing field across the sector.

Participants also discussed the need for revision of Food Contact Materials (FCM) for greater harmonisation of EU rules across different material categories, as well as improved regulatory clarity and predictability for industry. Particular attention was given to the impact on manufacturing processes and supply chains, and to ensuring that compliance requirements remain proportionate, especially for SMEs, while maintaining high safety standards and avoiding fragmentation within the Single Market. On the harmonisation of vitamins and minerals in food and food supplements, participants highlighted the challenges posed by divergent national approaches and the need for greater alignment at EU level. Ensuring consistent maximum levels while maintaining consumer safety and supporting innovation was identified as a key priority.

Other topics discussed included the Biotech Act, the cardiovascular diseases strategy, sugar taxation plans in Europe, and ultra-processed foods (UPF).