European Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Trade Deal, Citing Unfair Competition
Source: DairyNews.today
Farmers from across Europe took to the streets of Brussels on Wednesday to protest against the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, which they claim threatens their livelihoods and undermines environmental and social standards. French farmers have announced plans to join the protests early next week.
Brazil, currently presiding over the G20, is pressing for the agreement—linking the EU with South American nations Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—to be finalized by the end of the month. Supporters of the deal, including Germany, argue that it will bolster exports and open new markets.
However, opposition within the EU is mounting, led by France, the bloc’s largest agricultural producer. Prime Minister Michel Barnier voiced his country’s concerns after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “France cannot and will not accept this deal under its current terms,” Barnier said.
Critics argue that the agreement would flood European markets with imports of agricultural products that do not adhere to the EU’s stringent regulatory standards, undercutting local producers. Farmers and activists also point to potential environmental and social consequences.
In Brussels, around 100 demonstrators gathered near EU headquarters. A tractor bore a banner reading "STOP EU-Mercosur," while placards demanded "fair prices now." One protest featured a mannequin labeled "Killed by European politicians."
“For decades, we’ve been fighting against free trade agreements that prioritize competition over fair prices for farmers,” said Edu H. Nualart, a Spanish farmer now based in the Netherlands.
French farmers plan broader demonstrations on Monday and Tuesday, coinciding with the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, said Arnaud Rousseau, head of France’s largest farm union, FNSEA. “Approving this agreement would spell disaster for European and French agriculture,” he said, citing disparities in production standards.
Some French farmers launched early protests on Wednesday, dumping manure in Chaumont. They are contending with weather-damaged harvests, livestock diseases, and political stalemates following summer’s snap election.
Jean-François Guihard, president of the livestock and meat association Interbev, warned of severe consequences for the agricultural sector. “This agreement, as it stands, jeopardizes fair trade and the future of millions of French producers,” he said.
The deal could see significant import increases, including 99,000 tons of beef, 190,000 tons of sugar, and 180,000 tons of poultry meat, according to farming organizations.
Unlike previous protests, farmers are not planning to block highways, Rousseau confirmed. However, the mounting dissent underscores the challenges of reconciling trade liberalization with domestic agricultural interests.
However, opposition within the EU is mounting, led by France, the bloc’s largest agricultural producer. Prime Minister Michel Barnier voiced his country’s concerns after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “France cannot and will not accept this deal under its current terms,” Barnier said.
Critics argue that the agreement would flood European markets with imports of agricultural products that do not adhere to the EU’s stringent regulatory standards, undercutting local producers. Farmers and activists also point to potential environmental and social consequences.
In Brussels, around 100 demonstrators gathered near EU headquarters. A tractor bore a banner reading "STOP EU-Mercosur," while placards demanded "fair prices now." One protest featured a mannequin labeled "Killed by European politicians."
“For decades, we’ve been fighting against free trade agreements that prioritize competition over fair prices for farmers,” said Edu H. Nualart, a Spanish farmer now based in the Netherlands.
French farmers plan broader demonstrations on Monday and Tuesday, coinciding with the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, said Arnaud Rousseau, head of France’s largest farm union, FNSEA. “Approving this agreement would spell disaster for European and French agriculture,” he said, citing disparities in production standards.
Some French farmers launched early protests on Wednesday, dumping manure in Chaumont. They are contending with weather-damaged harvests, livestock diseases, and political stalemates following summer’s snap election.
Jean-François Guihard, president of the livestock and meat association Interbev, warned of severe consequences for the agricultural sector. “This agreement, as it stands, jeopardizes fair trade and the future of millions of French producers,” he said.
The deal could see significant import increases, including 99,000 tons of beef, 190,000 tons of sugar, and 180,000 tons of poultry meat, according to farming organizations.
Unlike previous protests, farmers are not planning to block highways, Rousseau confirmed. However, the mounting dissent underscores the challenges of reconciling trade liberalization with domestic agricultural interests.
