The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has been signed. But at Berlin's agricultural fair, not everyone is happy. Many German farmers fear increased competition from South America.

Berlin

At the Green Week agricultural fair in Berlin, the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries was a major topic of discussion. The deal would allow South American countries to export nearly 100,000 additional tons of beef to the EU each year, raising concerns among European farmers about competitiveness and adherence to strict production standards.

The EU Commission projects only a minimal drop in meat prices and has included safeguards such as strict import rules and financial aid. However, many European farmers are calling for assurances that South American producers will be held to the same social and environmental standards. The agreement still awaits ratification by both the European Parliament and Mercosur member countries.

EU-Mercosur trade deal dominates talk at Green Week in Berlin

Christian Rolfing is an organic farmer near Rostock in northern Germany and he's presenting his cows at the Green Week agricultural fair. He has mixed feelings about the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries. Among other things, the deal stipulates that the South American countries will be allowed to export almost 100,000 additional tons of beef to the EU annually. Basically, I'm a businessman and I'm happy when I can trade with many partners. And that's true even in these crazy political times, when an agreement is reached that makes free trade possible. But, and here comes the big but, I'm a farmer and we produce the highest quality food here and we adhere to the highest environmental and social standards. Our minimum wage is at 15 euros. And we have regulations regarding water protection, plant protection and also animal welfare. The problem is that high production standards in Germany make it impossible for farmers to be competitive. The EU Commission expects meat prices in European supermarkets to fall by no more than 2 percent after the agreement is signed. The consequences for European farmers would therefore be minimal and the representatives of the Mercosur countries also defend themselves. The agreement includes safeguards and also provides protection for European producers. The European and the South American control bodies are jointly responsible for ensuring that both sides benefit. It's also an opportunity for European producers of, for example, wine, cheese and so many other European products that we Brazilians love and eat and enjoy. And we'll be able to get them more easily here. The European Union has established a kind of safety net. All imports must continue to comply with strict EU rules. Should import volumes exceed the agreed limits, EU countries can impose an import ban. Furthermore, 45 billion euros in additional financial aid have been made available. Still, many farmers want more. We want proof that the farmers, our colleagues in South America, are monitored the same way and produce under the same social and environmental standards as we do. The mood among farmers at the Green Week is still upbeat. But, of course, the agreement is not yet in force. It still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament and those of the Mercosur countries.

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