AGRINFO is a programme funded by the European Union and implemented by COLEAD (Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development).

It provides an online information service that keeps you up-to-date on evolving EU policies, regulations, and standards with potential impacts on agri-food value chains. AGRINFO provides clear summaries for trade partners about the “what, why, and when” of recent and upcoming changes, and actions needed to adjust to new rules.

AGRINFO offers:

An easy-to-search, open-access website presenting:

• AGRINFO reports – summaries of recent and upcoming changes to EU rules including potential implications for AGRINFO partners and the actions needed
• ongoing consultations and how stakeholders can give feedback
• AGRINFO webinars on evolving EU legislation
• recent and upcoming changes to EU maximum residue levels, searchable by product (Pesticide MRL Tracker)
• spotlight on non-compliances with EU rules
• explainers giving background information on major areas of legislation
• accessible guides on compliance with some key new regulations, with links to EU information sources.

For AGRINFO subscribers:

• regular newsletter every 2–3 weeks listing the most recent changes – AGRINFO Update
• targeted emails for AGRINFO partners as and when needed, with more detailed information for specific sectors or localities
• the opportunity to raise Questions with the AGRINFO team.

The AGRINFO platform and newsletter are open access and free to use, but the information provided specifically targets stakeholders in partner countries including:

• competent authorities and relevant sector line ministries at national/regional level
• business membership organisations (BMOs) and national farmer organisations.

Partner countries are those listed as low- and middle-income economies in the Development Assistance Committee List of ODA Recipients.

New and upcoming EU policies, regulatory and non-regulatory measures that are likely have an impact on market access and the competitiveness of agricultural value chains linked to the EU market.

These value chains include food and feed of non-animal origin, animals and products of animal origin (including fish), plants and plant products (HS Chapters 01–24), with a primary focus on agri-food. Regulatory updates concerning HS Chapters 50–53 will also be monitored if there is a specific request or need.

The content of the database and AGRINFO Updates is written with the context and needs of AGRINFO partner countries in mind. AGRINFO reports do not address regulations, or elements of regulations, that are only relevant to operators or authorities in the EU, or in non-EU countries that are outside the scope of the programme.

AGRINFO does not systematically include details about the transposition of EU Directives into national law in EU Member States, except on a case-by-case basis where there is national divergence of particular relevance.

Agri-food products account for a large share of traded goods from developing and emerging economies to the EU. They are of pivotal importance in terms of generating income and employment, and key contributors towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meeting EU regulations and standards remains a major determinant for market access as well as competitiveness. The evolution of market requirements under the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food addresses the transition to more sustainable food systems, and is an opportunity to positively influence production and trade with non-EU countries. It is critically important to ensure that this transition is aligned with the SDGs, and that the poorest and most vulnerable players are not left behind.

COLEAD’s mission is to contribute to achieving the SDGs by linking agriculture, enterprise, and development. As the implementing body of AGRINFO, COLEAD is committed to ensuring that information about new EU regulations and standards, and their implications, is transferred promptly and in an accessible form to the people who need it. These include the producers, processors, traders, and competent authorities in partner countries who must take action to ensure that exported produce – including that from small-scale producers and operators – remains compliant and retains access to the EU market.