EU trade policy clashes with sustainability and food sovereignty goals, says farming organization
The EU agricultural sector is calling for a shift in policy towards controlling prices and moving away from free trade agreements, such as the stalled deal with Mercosur, according to a representative of the farmers’ organisation European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC).
Via Campesina, a movement established in 1993 to unite family and small-scale farmers globally, advocates for “food sovereignty” to resist the impacts of globalisation.
Speaking to Euractiv, ECVC member Andoni Garcia Arriola urged the EU to halt negotiations with Mercosur and freeze existing free trade agreements. The deal with the South American bloc has faced opposition from farmers, concerns about its impact on the agricultural sector, and resistance from EU countries, including France’s far-right political factions.
Garcia highlighted the negative effects of free trade policies on domestic agricultural products and prices, arguing that the EU’s focus on export-oriented production contradicts the goals of sustainability outlined in the Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy.
While the EU-Mercosur agreement would only represent a small percentage of beef and poultry imports, Garcia emphasized the need for stricter market regulations, increased support for agricultural workers, and respect for the food sovereignty of other countries.
The ECVC member called for a more sustainable agricultural model that prioritizes the single market and local food production, in alignment with the expectations for the EU’s agri-food and trade policies in the next mandate.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.