The agriculture sector is undergoing significant changes as governments worldwide adapt to emerging challenges in sustainability, food security, climate change, and innovation. In 2024 and beyond, several new laws and regulations are being introduced, reshaping how farming is done and driving forward a more sustainable and resilient industry.

Mark Taylor, Managing Director of R&G Seals & Gaskets Division, a leading provider of piston seals for various industries, takes a deep dive into the key legal changes in agriculture slated for 2024 and 2025, focusing on sustainability regulations, environmental standards, technology-driven practices, and trade agreements that will transform the industry.

Sustainability and Environmental Focus

One of the most significant areas of legislative change for the agriculture industry in 2024 and 2025 is around sustainability and the environment. With growing global concerns about climate change, there has been a push to make agricultural practices more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Governments are setting stricter standards for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protecting biodiversity, and improving soil and water health. For example, in the European Union (EU), The Farm to Fork Strategy under the European Green Deal is pushing to reduce pesticide use by 50% and cut fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030. Although these are long-term goals, the groundwork will be laid in 2024 and 2025 with legislation and funding initiatives encouraging sustainable practices.

Carbon Markets and Emissions Reporting

With the global push towards net-zero emissions, 2024 and 2025 will see a stronger focus on carbon markets within agriculture. Governments are increasingly introducing systems where farmers can trade carbon credits by adopting practices that reduce carbon emissions or capture carbon from the atmosphere.

For example, in the UK, the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) are evolving to support "public money for public goods," offering payments to farmers for improving biodiversity, maintaining soil health, and capturing carbon. The ELMS aims to support farmers financially for taking part in sustainable land use and is part of the post-Brexit restructuring of agricultural subsidies.

Technological Innovation

Digital transformation is impacting almost every industry, and agriculture is no exception. In 2024 and 2025, new laws will be enacted to further integrate technology into farming practices, particularly in the areas of precision farming, data management, and the use of drones and robotics.

The European Union’s Digital Agriculture Strategy is introducing legislation to promote the use of digital tools like AI, satellite monitoring, and drones to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. Farmers will be encouraged or mandated to use technologies that can optimise water use, monitor crop health, and reduce chemical input. This shift will also require updating data protection laws in the sector, ensuring farmers’ privacy when it comes to how their data is used by ag-tech companies.

Animal Welfare Laws

In 2024 and 2025, animal welfare is expected to remain a crucial issue, with new regulations anticipated in the EU. Stricter measures on live animal transport are being considered, such as reducing transport times, increasing space allowances, and improving the conditions for animals during transit. Additionally, there is growing momentum toward banning the export of live animals outside the EU due to concerns about welfare standards in destination countries​(

These proposed changes follow concerns over frequent incidents of animal suffering during long-distance sea transport, as well as growing public demand for better animal welfare practices across Europe. The EU's ongoing discussions around this issue reflect a broader push to improve the ethical treatment of livestock and poultry​.

Trade and Supply Chain Regulations

International trade laws are also set to impact the agriculture sector in 2024 and 2025. Post-Brexit trade agreements between the UK and other countries are still being hammered out, and these deals will influence everything from tariffs on imported agricultural products to food safety standards. Farmers will need to stay on top of new rules affecting export markets and product standards to remain competitive.

In the U.S., the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) will continue to influence trade relations in North America, and any renegotiations could affect tariff rates or environmental and labour standards within the agriculture sector. Changes in global trade agreements, particularly between the U.S., China, and the EU, could also impact pricing, supply chains, and market access for farmers.

Conclusion

The agriculture industry in 2024 and 2025 is set for significant changes driven by legislation aimed at improving sustainability, promoting technological innovation, ensuring animal welfare, and adapting to new trade realities. Farmers and agricultural businesses need to stay informed and adaptable to meet the new legal requirements. By embracing these changes, the sector can not only navigate the challenges ahead but also seize opportunities for growth, efficiency, and a more sustainable future.