The representative of the European Trade Association for Agri-Food and Commodities has offered a number of suggestions to Dombrovskis to ensure that EU trade policy works to open markets and build a thriving food supply chain that benefits farmers. , the food industry, food operators and consumers.

"The EU is the world's largest trader of agri-food products. It is the largest exporter (€ 151.2 billion in 2019) and the second largest importer (€ 110 billion). The EU's food supply chain as a whole has been agriculture to manufacturers and retailers, employs 23 million people.Food has a powerful emotional, cultural and political resonance: people feel a strong concern for what they eat and drink.An open, free, fair and trade It is essential to support the entire European agri-food sector and, in turn, the EU economy and society at large, and will assume its trade responsibilities at an uncertain time for Europe and the world.

The coronavirus pandemic disrupted food production and supply chains, with travel bans, closures and stricter border controls, all combined to undermine trade. We saw how closures or disruptions in food supply chains in one country could have a devastating impact in other countries. We urge you to do everything possible to keep the global food supply chains open so that the people of the European Union can have continued access to safe, healthy, diversified and affordable food.

However, even before COVID-19 emerged, there were challenges to food trade, ranging from climate change to growing trade irritants. Europe also cannot take its own food security for granted: despite its leading role in world food trade, it is not self-sufficient.

Trade policy gives the EU unique power on the world stage to promote its rules, work with partners to build a strong rules-based trading system and look for new opportunities for importers and exporters. It can be used to create growth and jobs while promoting free and fair markets around the world. That power must be used wisely.

As you prepare to present your seat to MEPs, we would like to share our priorities with you. "

 In this way, the representative association of European trade in agri-food products and commodities has broken down the following priorities for the sector:

• Recognize the key role that traders play. The EU food sector has shown resilience during the COVID pandemic despite disruptions in agri-food supply chains. In fact, the food trade is playing a key role in driving the EU's recovery. In this context, we would like to be part of an EU Trade Advisory Committee to discuss future reviews of EU trade policy.
  
  
• Develop a bold trade policy to support the global supply chain. The EU needs an ambitious policy to find new outlets and diversify imports and exports. That means ensuring that global supply chains remain open and that business conditions remain stable. Trade must also be positively promoted as a vector of agri-food circularity and sustainability. Trade creates efficiencies that mean food can be produced better and cheaper than ever, and that can benefit everyone.
  
  
• Use the application tool for the correct implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). About 34% of our current agri-food exports go to preferential partners, but there is still room for improvement. Effective implementation of the agreements is essential to ensure that LACs actually provide meaningful market access.