European agricultural representation: EU-Australia agreement raises serious concerns

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The organization said in a statement that the agreement raises “numerous and serious concerns” for European agriculture, which has once again become a “bargaining tool” for EU trade and political goals. They added that the agreement may be a short-term response to current challenges, but in the medium term it could have unsustainable consequences for several sensitive sectors.

Copa-Cogeca particularly highlighted the concessions for beef, sheepmeat, sugar and rice, which have long been strongly opposed by farmers

According to the organization, “together with the effects of previous trade agreements, including the Mercosur agreement, these steps already represent an unacceptable burden for European producers.” They also pointed out that even in the traditionally export-oriented wine sector, the benefits are uncertain, while Australian exporters are expected to benefit more from the abolition of tariffs.

The statement said the agreement cannot be separated from the unfavourable market environment in which European farmers operate

Rising costs, persistent inflation, low purchase prices and uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions – including the situation in Iran – are making their situation difficult. They said that further opening up sensitive sectors would increase vulnerability and could push many family farms to the brink of collapse. Copa-Cogeca also criticised the EU’s failure to adequately address the combined effects of trade agreements and the lack of effective safeguard mechanisms. They said that the current instruments were more for communication purposes than for real assistance in a crisis. The organization stressed that European producers are committed to high-quality and sustainable production, and it is therefore important that trade agreements do not undermine these efforts. Copa-Cogeca said that they will be able to accurately assess the effects of the agreement only after learning the details – in particular the protection of geographical indications and the management of tariff quotas.

MTI