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Federation of European Rice Millers

FERM

To monitor, study and contribute to the solution of matters relating to scientific, technical, legal and/or regulatory aspects of the European rice industry, and make them available to members. To provide the networking opportunities to the members of the association. To inform the members on the latest changes of the laws and communications and decisions from the authorities and affecting the European rice industry. To provide assistance to its stakeholders and other interested parties in a better understanding of the scientific, technical, legal and/or regulatory environment related to the European rice industry Establish, maintain and promote relations with the institutions as well as any authorities and other stakeholders operating inside and outside the European Union (EU). The organization of public relations events and other marketing activities.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Jörg Wojahn (Head of Unit Trade)

18 Nov 2025 · Exchange of views on EU rice and the EU General Scheme of Preferences for developing countries

Response to Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus

14 Oct 2025

FERM, the Federation of European Rice Millers, represents the interests of the European rice industry towards European institutions, international organisations and supply chain stakeholders. FERM welcomes the initiative to increase competitiveness of EU farmers and the food and feed industry, and supports simplification measures that reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while safeguarding high standards for food and feed safety. FERM expresses support for the simplification of procedures for the authorisation and ‎renewal of plant protection products and biopesticides. To safeguard the continuity of crop protection, FERM calls for faster, clearer and more ‎predictable authorisation and renewal procedures, including the re-approval of existing ‎active ingredients that are still widely used, thereby taking into account the availability of ‎viable alternatives.‎ FERM also supports proposals to accelerate access to innovative biocontrol solutions by ‎tackling procedural inefficiencies and reallocating or increasing resources in Member State ‎authorities and EFSA. Specific measures should include a clear legal definition and an ‎accelerated authorisation framework for biocontrol products, alongside streamlined ‎procedures, and enhanced mutual recognition between Member States.‎ Furthermore, FERM supports simplification measures to improve clarity of terminology as well as adequate transitional measures in the setting of MRLs to allow the rice sector to implement them at all stages of production and processing, while ‎avoiding disruption to trade and unforeseen impacts on small farmers. The general transitional periods currently foreseen in legislation are typically between zero ‎and six months, with possibility to finish stocks once placed on the EU market. However, this ‎may not always provide sufficient time in practice for rice, which has a particularly long ‎‎harvest-to-retail cycle of up to 2 years and significant storage and shelf life. In cases ‎unrelated to food safety, a transitional period of 3 years would be more appropriate when ‎lowering limits for pesticide residues in rice. ‎ Finally, FERM encourages greater flexibility in official checks at border control posts to allow partial clearance of compliant parts of consignments, which would help operators avoid significant financial losses and waste. Overall, FERM supports the Commissions efforts to simplify and streamline regulatory processes ‎while upholding high standards for food safety‎. Ensuring efficiency, predictability, and workable transitional measures will help strengthen competitiveness, support innovation, and provide stability for the rice sector and the food value chain overall. FERM appreciates the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion and remains ‎available to collaborate closely with the EU institutions in the future.‎ Please find our full feedback in the attachment.
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