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European agricultural organizations have asked European Union policymakers to reconsider the EU-Mercosur trade agreement due to concerns related to production standards in South American countries. Brazil's recent suspension of its exports of beef from female cattle is evidence, according to an audit report by the EU's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), of persistent shortcomings in compliance with European food safety standards, in particular in monitoring the use of banned hormones such as estradiol 17β. This compound, used in Brazil as a growth promoter, has been banned in the EU for more than 40 years because of its associated cancer risks.
In addition, there are discrepancies in the use of pesticides on crops. According to a forthcoming study by the European Corn Growers Confederation (CEPM), more than 50% of the active substances authorized in Brazil and Argentina are banned in Europe, including products such as atrazine, which has been banned in the EU for 15 years. In the case of sugar, nearly 30 substances used in Brazil are not authorized for sugar beet cultivation in Europe.
European farmers fear the agreement will facilitate the entry of products that do not meet the EU's strict animal welfare, environmental protection, and public health standards, creating unfair competition and risks for consumers. They therefore urge the rejection of the agreement in its current form, promoting a trade policy that respects European values and regulations.
November 6, 2024/ Copa-Cogeca/ European Union.
https://copa-cogeca.eu
