An Irish MEP has urged the European Commissioner for Implementing and Simplifying EU Law, Valdis Dombrovskis, to address the over-regulation facing food producers.

Nina Carberry welcomed the first in a series of simplification proposals, which aim to streamline reporting and administrative burdens for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

However, the Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North-West stressed that simplification efforts must also target agriculture and the food supply chain, where excessive paperwork, rising costs, and supply chain issues threaten producers.

"Farmers and food producers face an uphill battle. If we want to sustain local food production and enhance food security, we must simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and ease the burden on those who put food on our tables," Carberry said.

Speaking at a European Parliament hearing on simplifying EU regulations in Strasbourg this week, Carberry urged Commissioner Dombrovskis to follow through with cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and deliver real change for businesses, farmers, and food producers.

"Simplification can’t just be a buzzword, it must lead to tangible results on the ground," she said.

As the lead lawmaker on the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee for UK relations, Carberry also welcomed efforts to simplify the EU’s carbon dioxide (CO2) import duty scheme (CBAM).

However, she did warn that regulatory divergence between the EU and the UK in this area could pose challenges for Irish and Northern Irish businesses.

CBAM ensures imported goods meet EU carbon standards, preventing carbon leakage.

While Carberry supports its objectives, she urged that it must be workable in practice, not just on paper.

"Linking the EU and UK carbon markets would eliminate carbon borders and enhance market stability. But if regulations diverge, we risk undermining both energy security and trade certainty," she said.