Segnalazione dalla Corte dei Conti Europea (ECA) (Linkedin) Agriculture and rural development

Agriculture and rural development

 

European Court of Auditors

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15 maggio 2025

European citizens rely on the EU’s agricultural and food policies not only for safe and sustainable food, but also for transparency and trust in the products they consume. Recent audits by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlight the need for clearer objectives, stronger controls, and a more environmentally ambitious approach when it comes to policy implementation. With food systems increasingly affected by climate change and market pressure, it is more vital than ever to ensure that EU funding delivers – for farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

In this edition of ECA Insights, we take a look at recently published reports on organic farming, vineyard restructuring, and food labelling, and give you a taste of our upcoming audit on the olive oil sector – a product deeply tied to European identity and tradition.

Assessing EU agricultural policies and consumer transparency

Our recent reports examined whether EU-funded initiatives in the agricultural and food sectors are delivering tangible results, promoting competitiveness, and providing consumers with reliable information.

• Special report 23/2023: Restructuring and planting vineyards in the EU – Unclear impact on competitiveness and limited environmental ambition. The EU has provided over €5 billion in support for vineyard restructuring and conversion during the 2014-2023 period, aiming to boost the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. Our audit found that while the scheme helped modernise vineyards, the results on competitiveness were unclear, and the environmental ambition remained limited. Measures often lacked precise objectives and did not incentivise practices that could significantly reduce environmental impacts. We recommended clearer environmental goals and improved tracking of outcomes to better align support with the EU’s Green Deal.
• Special report 19/2024: Organic farming in the EU – Gaps and inconsistencies hamper the success of the policy. Organic farming is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy for more sustainable agriculture. While the EU has set ambitious targets for organic production, our audit found that implementation falls short. The support framework lacks consistency, and monitoring systems do not adequately track progress. Moreover, weaknesses in data collection and differences in national approaches limit the policy’s effectiveness. We recommended harmonised rules, better data systems, and stronger alignment between funding and environmental objectives.
• Special report 23/2024: Food labelling in the EU – Consumers can get lost in the maze of labels. EU consumers are increasingly seeking information about the products they buy – where they come from, how they are made, and their nutritional value. Our audit revealed that the current food labelling framework is overly complex, with a multitude of labels that vary in meaning and reliability. This can confuse consumer and reduce the effectiveness of labelling as a tool for informed decision-making. We recommended simplifying and harmonising labelling rules and to build consumer trust.

Upcoming report on the EU’s support to the olive oil sector

For many, olive oil is more than a food item – it is part of cultural heritage, health-conscious living, and sustainable agriculture. But the impact of climate change, including drought and extreme heat, have led to steep price rises and increased fraud risks. Furthermore, mislabelled or adulterated products can deceive consumers and damage the reputation of genuine producers.

Our ongoing audit investigates whether the EU’s control systems are robust enough to ensure that olive oil on the market is authentic, safe, and properly labelled. This audit, which includes fieldwork in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Belgium, assesses how effectively the EU verifies origin, quality, and safety standards for olive oil. It also explores the adequacy of national enforcement measures and coordination mechanisms. The findings will be published in late 2025 and aim to help restore confidence in a product often referred to as Europe’s “liquid gold”.

Stay updated on the latest publications, audit findings, and insights from the European Court of Auditors by subscribing to the monthly ECA Insights newsletter or by visiting the ECA website.