EU farmers fight to stem flow of cheap Mercosur beef

Copa and Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen said: “The EU has given far too much on agriculture to the Mercosur countries in the negotiations, without getting much in return.

“A Joint Research Centre (JRC) report shows a potential trade deal could cost the EU agricultural sector over €7 billion.

“The majority of EU beef, sugar, poultry and orange juice imports already come from these countries.

“Over 75 per cent of beef imported into the EU, mainly high value cuts, are from Mercosur countries.

“For broilers, an extended offer in cuts could lead to a loss of outlets for 150 million broilers produced in the EU, reducing growth and jobs in our rural areas.

“The sugar and ethanol sectors are also heavily subsidised by Mercosur countries. These countries have not shown any commitment to reduce this.

“We consequently urge the EU to keep duties on imports in order to avoid oversupply on our domestic market and ensure a level playing field.”

Though Commissioner Hogan previously promised beef would be ‘off the menu’ in trade talks, it is thought pressure from countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain, which are pushing for the deal to be concluded, may have forced a change in position.