Farmers’ Union gives ‘last local food’ to Katelijns MEP: “Mercosur ensures unfair competition”

According to the Farmers’ Association, Mercosur therefore creates unfair competition, but there are even more concerns. “We also oppose bad European regulations that block our companies and an unacceptable reduction in resources for the common agricultural policy. But certainly also against unfair trade agreements such as Mercosur,” says Boerenbond chairman Lode Ceyssens.

Apply pressure

The Mercosur dossier has now entered a crucial phase. Various discussions will continue at European level in the coming days and the agreement may be signed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday. “We therefore think it is important to put extra pressure. We do this by visiting our own policymakers so that they can defend the interests of local farmers,” it said.

The delegation stopped at the Market in Sint-Katelijne-Waver on Wednesday. There they presented a symbolic final plate of local dishes, such as stew and vol-au-vent, to Member of the European Parliament Liesbet Sommen (CD&V). “We ask our European representatives to take their responsibility and reject the agreement. Otherwise, our symbolic final dish could become the truth,” Ceyssens said.

Sommen understands the concerns of the Farmers’ Union. “As CD&V, we are not against international trade agreements. Especially in the current geopolitical context, it is important to enter into new partnerships,” she says. “But these should not result in our local farmers becoming big losers. We therefore ask that there are sufficient guarantees so that they do not become victims of a globalized economy.”

Quality

“The products that our farmers produce must meet many conditions,” Sommen explains. “For example, in the field of quality and food safety. In addition, there is also social legislation in Europe. It is therefore important that these rules also apply to producers in South America. We continue to insist on this and the discussions in the coming days are very important in this regard.”

France and Italy, among others, are not in favor of the Mercosur dossier as it is currently on the table. They hold the key during the vote. A decision may be made on Friday. If Mercosur passes, more beef, chicken and sugar will come to Europe from South America, among other things.