European farming representatives have voiced concerns regarding the potential ramifications of a recent trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, urging the EU Commission to pursue further negotiations.
Speaking to German media, the designated General Secretary of the German Farmers’ Association, Stefanie Sabet, described the current agreement as “disappointing” adding that the Commission had reached an understanding detrimental to European and German agriculture without sufficient consultation.
The agreement, as it stands, would open the EU market to U.S. competitors in key agricultural products including pork, fruit, vegetables and dairy, without providing comparable assurances regarding production and environmental standards, Sabet stated. In return, agricultural and food exports from the EU would be subject to a 15 percent tariff.
Concerns were specifically raised over the lack of provisions protecting sensitive agricultural products and the failure to secure tariff relief for wine and spirits. Sabet emphasized the potentially damaging consequences for European agriculture, already facing challenges from rising costs, regulatory burdens and increased global competition.
The organization is calling on the EU Commission to continue discussions with the United States, focusing on a reduction in tariffs, balanced market access and the safeguarding of sensitive agricultural sectors.