French Farmers Reject EU-MERCOSUR Trade Deal Amid Concerns Over Agriculture
Why French Farmers Call the Trade Deal a Catastrophe
French farmers have labeled the EU Latin America trade agreement as a development.
French farmers and union officials have expressed resistance to the suggested trade deal, between the European Union (EU ) and MERCOSUR, the Latin American common market as reported by FranceInfo.
Four prominent French agricultural groups including the National Federation of Agricultural Owners’ Unions (FNSEA) Youth Farmers Association and the Peasant Confederation have denounced the deal as a major disaster.
Based on what FNSEA spokesperson Nicolas Lagarde said the trade agreement with MERCOSUR might enable beef imports, from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia to enter the EU with tariffs.
"He mentioned that this would allow items to be brought in without any way to track them or adhere to the regulations we have to follow " he stated calmly. Sheep farmer François Soular asserted that farmers have never gained any advantages from free trade agreements.
French Farmers’ Demands: Protecting Local Agriculture from Free Trade
Geoffrey Couloumi is a grain producer and winemaker affiliated with the Young Farmers Union in France who mentioned that French consumers can rely upon local producers to meet their needs without requiring products, from South America to sustain the population.
Justin Losson, from Rural Coordination emphasized the importance of government safeguarding our agriculture by halting the endorsement of free trade agreements so that individuals can earn a livelihood through their labor.
Impact of Latin American Beef and Poultry Imports on EU Agriculture
France has consistently been against the deal involving Brazil Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay,. This is because local farmers and meat producers have been seeking guarantees that their counterparts, in Latin America will comply with the and environmental standards of the EU concerning antibiotics and pesticides.
In the past French farmers organized demonstrations with tractors. Warned of plans to disrupt traffic in Paris. Farmers caution that American suppliers currently dominate the market for beef and poultry in the area and if a new agreement is reached this could lead to a substantial surge, in imports negatively impacting local producers.
Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.
