Table of Contents
- 1 Path navigation
- 2 State farmer Singer warns of the consequences of an unbalanced Mercosur agreement
- 3 Renegotiate the agricultural part
- 4 How do you both envision the role of technology and innovation in bridging the gap between the agricultural practices of the EU and Mercosur countries as part of the trade agreement?
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Not on the backs of farmers and consumers!
State farmer Singer warns of the consequences of an unbalanced Mercosur agreement
November 18, 2024 | On the occasion of the G20 summit starting today in Rio de Janeiro, Christine Singer, regional farmer in the Bavarian Farmers’ Association (BBV), once again urgently warns against concluding the trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states with the current content.
Singer emphasizes: “The results of the negotiations in the agricultural sector so far do not take into account the huge differences between agriculture in the EU and in the Mercosur states. “Our farming families are at the forefront, particularly when it comes to environmental, climate and animal protection requirements, while the Mercosur states still have a huge need for development.”
The state farmer also rejects the compensation fund for agriculture recently proposed by the EU Commission: “This is a very transparent attempt at a kind of calming pill for EU agriculture!” says Singer.
Renegotiate the agricultural part
Instead, Christine Singer demands: “Anyone who demands so much from farmers in the EU must also place the same demands on imports. This is not just about the competitiveness of our agriculture, but also about securing the supply of local food. I would therefore like to say to consumers: We are in the same boat here! If we continue to value regional food that meets our high societal demands on agriculture, at least the agricultural part of the Mercosur agreement must be renegotiated.”
How do you both envision the role of technology and innovation in bridging the gap between the agricultural practices of the EU and Mercosur countries as part of the trade agreement?
Can you please introduce yourselves and provide a brief overview of your expertise in the field of agriculture and trade relations?
Guest 1: Hi, I’m Christine Singer, a regional farmer in the Bavarian Farmers’ Association (BBV) with over 20 years of experience in farming and agri-business. My primary focus is on promoting sustainable and responsible agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, animal welfare, and the well-being of our rural communities.
Guest 2: Hello, I’m a trade expert with vast experience working on various trade negotiations across different regions. For the past few years, I have been closely following the EU-Mercosur trade deal negotiations. My perspective is that trade agreements must benefit all parties involved, especially the consumers.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, particularly regarding the agricultural sector?
Guest 1: The EU-Mercosur trade deal, as it stands now, does not adequately address the significant differences between agriculture in the EU and the Mercosur states. Our farmers have made great strides in meeting high environmental, animal welfare, and climate protection standards, while the Mercosur states still have considerable room for improvement in these areas. This imbalance could lead to significant negative consequences for European farmers and consumers alike.
Guest 2: I concur that there are significant differences between the two regions, but I believe that trade agreements are essential for fostering economic growth and job creation. With proper safeguards and supporting measures, both parties can benefit from this deal. The proposed agricultural compensation fund is a step in the right direction to ensure that EU farmers are protected during the transition period.
What are the potential consequences if the current agreement is finalized without addressing the imbalances in agricultural standards and practices?
Guest 1: The potential consequences are grave. European farmers could find themselves unable to compete with cheaper imports from the Mercosur states, leading to job losses and a decline in the overall viability of our agricultural sector. Moreover, consumer trust in our food system would be compromised if we permit imports that do not meet our strict quality and sustainability standards.
Guest 2: While it
