By Ann - Nov 22, 2024
French farmers strongly oppose the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, fearing its impact on regional agricultural standards due to increased imports of goods like cattle and sugar from South America. President Macron, who previously supported the deal, has changed his stance in response to mounting criticism and demonstrations. Farmers argue that lower-cost production methods in South America could undermine local standards and harm the environment. The agreement has prompted widespread protests and political pressure in France, with concerns raised about deforestation and potential health risks from imported beef.
finance-yahoo.com via Financial Times
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Since the EU-Mercosur trade agreement might have a big effect on their livelihood, French farmers have been outspoken in their objections. The deal, which involves South American nations including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, might undermine regional agricultural standards by bringing a plethora of goods like cattle, sugar, and chicken to the European market. French farmers are especially concerned about this since the agreement contains a sizable quota for beef imports, which may result in lower pricing because South American farms have lower production costs, fewer strict environmental and health requirements, and cheaper labour.
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, had previously backed the agreement, but the growing demonstrations have made him change his mind. The agreement was first viewed as a means of increasing commerce with South America, but it has encountered fierce criticism in France from a range of political backgrounds. Citing worries about South American deforestation and the possible spread of hormones like estradiol 17-β in beef imports, farmers contend that the agreement does not adhere to fundamental environmental and social criteria.
Environmental organisations and home farmers have also exerted political pressure on Macron to change his position. More than 600 members of the French parliament are among the political elite who have voiced concerns that the agreement might lower French environmental and agricultural standards. Even if the current Brazilian leadership, led by President Lula, has somewhat changed the dynamics, Macron has presented his opposition as a response to the previous government's undermining of climate change initiatives.
French farmer demonstrations have intensified in response to the agreement, and unions are urging widespread mobilization. Targeting government buildings and busy roads, the protests, which began in November 2024, show how urgently the agricultural community is battling for their existence in the face of what they perceive to be an unjust international trade pact. The upcoming elections for farmers' representatives mean that this subject will likely continue to be a major source of controversy in French politics.
