Sarkozy: no support for EU/Mercosur trade deal that cuts farmers’ income

Monday, May 16th 2011 - 03:24 UTC

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“I can’t accept and will not accept” such an agreement said the French president (Photo AFP)

French president Nicholas Sarkozy stressed over the weekend he would not accept an European Union-Mercosur trade agreement that could mean a loss of income for European farmers.

“I can’t accept and I won’t accept” such an agreement said Sarkozy during a visit to the north of France, adding that farm produce from Mercosur does not comply with the same norms that are demanded from European farmers.

Sarkozy said he favoured free trade but on similar conditions, and pointed out that “why should we accept produce that does not comply with the set of norms and regulations imposed on our farmers?”

Further on he mentioned recent reports from EU farm lobbies and endorsed by the EU parliament which indicate that a trade agreement with Mercosur could mean a 20% to 25% fall in income for farmers and “I imagine Mercosur country members must understand there must be a limit” to such losses.

According to a recent assessment from the European Commission released last month, a free trade agreement with Mercosur, --negotiations for which begun eleven years ago and where only re-launched in May 2010--, would be globally beneficial for the European Union, although it would mean losses for agriculture and the farming sector.

Following on the last round of negotiations in Asunción, Paraguay the first week of May, the following round is scheduled for July 4 to 8 in Brussels, when both sides should begin addressing the very sensitive issue of market access.

Categories: Agriculture, Economy, International, Mercosur, Paraguay.

Tags: EU-Mercosur, European farmers, Mercosur, Nicolas Sarkozy.

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ElaineB
As I said in another thread, the protectionist polices of the EU benefit French farmers disproportionately. They were always going to fight this tooth and nail.
May 16th, 2011 - 09:25 am 0
Idlehands
The simple solution would be for Mercosur states to bring their farming up to EU standards. However the Common Agricultural Policy will probably stand in the way too. I hope it gets abolished.
May 16th, 2011 - 01:53 pm 0
Fido Dido
Mercosur states to bring their farming up to EU standards

Only koolaid drinkers still believe that. I, am against farm subsidies that goes against the whole believe of free/fair market priciples. EU standards are total BS. Let's be clear, farm subsidies, a scheme, paid by EU tax payers is designed to rip off poor nations and it only benefits corporations and weak farmers who cannot compete.
With real competition, France for example, would lose that batle. Mr Sarkozy knows that, but it's elections time.
May 16th, 2011 - 06:07 pm 0

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