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| 13 may 2016 |
14:04 |
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CEJA stresses importance of protection for EU sensitive sectors in future trade agreements
Following recent information that has come to light in Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) as well as in Mercosur discussions, CEJA would like to underline the importance of protection for those sensitive sectors in EU agriculture which are most at risk in trade agreements, in particular the livestock sector, as well as the protection of European geographical indications (GIs).
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As declared in CEJA’s Young Farmer Manifesto launched in September 2015, CEJA supports growth and international trade and recognises that such agreements as the TTIP can offer many opportunities to farmers across the Union, in particular young farmers, who are eager to grow and become more competitive on the world market. However, CEJA would also like to reiterate the importance of a strong EU negotiating position when facing the US and the need to defend some EU interests which are non-negotiable. As established in CEJA’s position paper on TTIP, it is essential that the agreement be profitable on both sides of the Atlantic without putting the European family farming model at risk.
With these considerations in mind, CEJA would like to reiterate the importance of safeguard clauses for, or potential removal of, particularly sensitive sectors in all ongoing and future trade negotiations. CEJA also advocates the protection of EU standards including the recognition and legal protection of geographical indications, the enforcement of clear labelling and the creation of an inspection body to control the effective equivalence of imported products. Finally, CEJA calls for increased transparency in negotiations, as it is critical that the bargaining process does not lead to gains in some economic sectors at the cost of others. CEJA believes that free trade agreements may be shaped to the benefit of all involved including young farmers, but this must not put European livelihoods, standards, or the future of European farming at risk.
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