European Farmers Oppose Free Trade Agreement Between the EU and Australia
Major agricultural associations from European Union countries, which are part of Copa Cogeca, have expressed concerns regarding the potential signing of a free trade agreement between the EU and Australia. Representatives of the association emphasize that such an agreement could negatively impact key sectors of European agriculture.
This is reported by AgroReview
European Farmers Fear Increased Competition
According to Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti, the beef, lamb, sugar, and rice production sectors are already under significant pressure. European farmers believe that even a minimal increase in access for Australian producers to the European market could substantially destabilize the situation due to existing vulnerabilities in these sectors.
“Key agricultural sectors, such as beef, lamb, sugar, and rice, are already under extraordinary pressure,” says Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti.
The Copa Cogeca statement notes that the EU market encompasses approximately 450 million consumers, while the Australian domestic market is significantly smaller—about 28 million people. Thus, opening the European market within the framework of the future agreement creates disproportionately favorable conditions for Australian exporters, which could further complicate the situation for European farmers in already fragile market segments.
Position of Agricultural Associations on EU Trade Policy
Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson expressed the view that the agricultural sector is once again being regarded as a tool for achieving compromises during the negotiation of trade agreements by the European Commission. The association calls for consideration of the vulnerability of the agricultural sector when developing the terms of the agreement, so as not to worsen the situation for EU farmers.
The organization’s statement emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the cumulative pressure on European producers and does not lead to further intensification of competition in their market.