On October 1, 2025, the INC attended a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, with officials from the European Commission’s DG AGRI, DG SANTE and DG ENV. Organized by FRUCOM-CEEREAL, the event convened around 90 participants from 16 countries representing the nut, dried fruit, and breakfast cereal sectors.
Key discussions centered on current EU policy priorities and regulatory developments. EU officials stressed the need for Europe to diversify trade relations to minimize risks, strengthen strategic autonomy and competitiveness, and streamline administrative procedures through regulatory simplification. They also flagged generational renewal in agriculture as a critical challenge, and the need for securing the future of the sector by making it more attractive and accessible to young farmers.
Participants were updated on ongoing regulatory reviews, particularly those concerning food contaminants, including aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, nickel, mineral oil hydrocarbons, and acrylamide.
The meeting additionally addressed misconceptions about nuts and dried fruit, highlighting robust scientific evidence of cardiovascular benefits and proposing clearer portion guidance. The event concluded with a debate on sustainable agriculture, stressing resilience and profitability but highlighting financing, competitiveness, and policy consistency as ongoing challenges.