French farmers are mobilizing against the EU-Mercosur treaty, which would allow imports of agricultural products from South America under potentially lower standards. This opposition is echoed across Europe, with agricultural organizations in Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, and Ireland expressing concerns about the treaty’s implications for local farming. Key issues include unfair competition, environmental standards, and the impact on various agricultural sectors, prompting calls for renegotiation and protests in several countries.
French Farmers Unite Against EU-Mercosur Treaty
Starting this Monday, November 18, farmers across France are gearing up for significant mobilization against the long-negotiated treaty between the European Union and Mercosur countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The European Commission, with the backing of nations such as Germany and Spain, aims to finalize this agreement by the year’s end, prompting widespread dissent among agricultural communities.
French farmers are not alone in their opposition; numerous agricultural organizations from major European producing nations are voicing their concerns about the EU-Mercosur agreement. However, the governments’ responses vary, with France exhibiting the strongest resistance to the treaty.
The primary concern is that Mercosur countries would export a range of agricultural products, including beef, poultry, and sugar, to the EU under conditions that are perceived as unfair. These imports may not adhere to the same rigorous environmental, social, or health standards that European products must meet. Copa-Cogeca, the major European farmers’ union, has urged the EU to reassess the project and to maintain a trade policy that protects the high standards of European agriculture.
The Agricultural Landscape in France
France, recognized as the leading agricultural nation in Europe by value, is witnessing a particularly strong mobilization in light of an ongoing agricultural crisis. A recent audit report from the EU highlighted significant shortcomings in Brazil’s health standards compliance procedures. In light of these findings, the National Cattle Federation has criticized the European Commission for continuing negotiations that would allow an additional 99,000 tons of South American beef into the EU market. Paris is actively seeking support from other member states, like Poland, to establish a blocking minority against the treaty.
Germany’s Changing Stance
Germany’s position on the agreement has shifted under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is now more inclined toward expanding industrial markets, contrasting with Angela Merkel’s earlier hesitation due to concerns over Amazon deforestation. The current instability within the governing coalition has left farmers uncertain about the future of the agreement.
The German Farmers’ Association (DBV) has expressed urgency in renegotiating the treaty, warning that it could lead to a detrimental replacement of national production with imports that do not meet modern standards. DBV President Joachim Rukwied argues that for EU agriculture to thrive, there must be mechanisms to balance the disparities between international and European standards. While no formal protests are on the horizon, there may still be demonstrations at the French-German and French-Spanish borders.
Spain’s Agricultural Concerns
In Spain, all major agricultural unions have raised alarms about the potential impacts of the agreement, particularly on the livestock sector. The Asaja organization has labeled the treaty as “outdated and incoherent.” While no mobilizations are currently planned, the discontent surrounding the project has previously ignited farmers’ protests. Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government has expressed support for the treaty, with Agriculture Minister Luis Planas asserting its strategic necessity and potential benefits for sectors like wine and olive oil, even acknowledging possible drawbacks for beef producers.
Italy’s Apprehensions
In Italy, the prominent agricultural organization Coldiretti has reached out to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to voice its “deep concern” over the agreement, predicting severe repercussions for the agri-food sector. The letter emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other EU nations, particularly France, to prevent the approval of the treaty in its current form. The Ministry of Agriculture has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this issue.
The Netherlands’ Division
In the Netherlands, the leading agricultural union LTO has called for an immediate halt to negotiations. The poultry and sugar industries are particularly at risk, according to LTO’s political strategy advisor, Klaas Johan Osinga. While the agreement could present opportunities for the cheese and horticulture sectors, the potential benefits are relatively minor. The governing coalition is currently divided on the matter, complicating the situation further.
Poland’s Reservations
Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture has voiced “serious reservations” about the treaty, suggesting it may favor industry and maritime transport at the expense of various segments of the agri-food sector. The agricultural organization NSZZ RI Solidarność has urged Prime Minister Donald Tusk to take a stronger stand and actively “block” the project.
Austria’s Opposition
Austrian National Council parliamentarians have adopted a resolution against the agreement, citing concerns that increasing agricultural production standards in Europe while pursuing outdated trade agreements is incompatible. The leading agricultural association, Bauernbund, has summarized the situation, stating that such duty-free imports would jeopardize Austrian agriculture, which relies heavily on exports.
Ireland’s Focus on Upcoming Elections
In Ireland, with legislative elections approaching at the end of November, farmers represented by ICSA have taken to the streets to protest in front of Parliament, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the proposed agreement and its potential impacts on their livelihoods.