The Polish Ministry of Agriculture opposes signing a trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries, stated Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, in a press conference on Friday. The announcement followed talks with the French Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Annie Genevard, in Warsaw.
Siekierski emphasised that Poland and France will work together to block the entry of food products that do not meet EU safety standards into the EU market.
“Good climate of the meeting with @AnnieGenevard the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of France… Priorities for now: stabilisation of European agriculture and support for farmers’ incomes and opposition to the agreement with Mercosur. The next step will be actions on the so-called climate goals. Together we see that a large part of the funds is allocated to environmental issues at the expense of direct support for agriculture. A different model is needed here, which is why I am pleased with the proposal to return to cooperation in the formula of the French-Polish mixed committee for agriculture, which the Minister proposed today. And finally (extremely important! )- we have a declaration of support for the topics that will fill the time of the Polish presidency. Yes, a lot of constructive arrangements today,” Minister Siekierski wrote on X.
Minister Genevard also expressed her country’s disagreement with allowing food products from Mercosur countries to enter the EU market. She argued that the EU-Mercosur agreement threatens agriculture within the EU, particularly in Poland and France, which are among the largest producers and exporters of food in the Union. Furthermore, she pointed out that farmers in South America often use substances that are banned in the EU, undermining the principles of fair competition and sustainable development.
“A few weeks before the Polish presidency of the EU, in Warsaw, lively and friendly discussions with my counterpart @CzSiekierski on the desire of our two countries to build an ambitious CAP to serve farmers and guarantee European food sovereignty. Glad to see a broad convergence of views to reject the agreement with the #Mercosur. Let’s stay in touch. Thank you dear Czeslaw for your welcome,” the French minister posted on X.
Mercosur comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as full members, while the rest of South American countries participate as associated members. In June 2019, representatives of the European Union and Mercosur reached an agreement, which has yet to be signed. This comprehensive deal focuses on reducing customs duties, cooperating on veterinary and phytosanitary matters, protecting geographical indications, and liberalising trade in services and public procurement. Environmental protection and working conditions are also vital but controversial components of the agreement.
The Polish Ministry of Agriculture is preparing a position paper in collaboration with the Ministry of Development and Technology, which the Council of Ministers is expected to adopt on Tuesday.
Representatives from the Polish and French ministries of agriculture indicated that discussions are taking place with ministers from other EU member states regarding the effort to block the signing of the agreement. However, consultations with the parliaments of individual member states will be necessary before any decision is reached.
“If these consultations do not occur, it will threaten democracy and the core values of the European Union,” stated Minister Siekierski. He noted that adopting the agreement in its current form would significantly impact farmers, especially beef, poultry, and sugar producers, who would struggle to compete with cheaper products from South America.
