In the context of publishing the EU's trade strategy for the coming years, the German Farmers Association (DBV), in a joint statement with the French farmers' association Fédération nationale des syndicats d'exploitants agricoles (FNSEA), notes the need for rules-based international trade that precludes a displacement of national food production. Although the EU Commission is putting sustainability at the center of its new trade strategy and wants to ensure sustainable trade rules globally by strengthening multilateralism, it still lacks a concrete answer on how to prevent the import of cheap products from being produced. in environmental conditions significantly poorer than those considered in Europe.

DBV President Joachim Rukwied explains: “A fundamental adjustment of trade policy is necessary for the successful implementation of the European Green Deal. Agricultural imports from third countries must not undermine the high and costly EU standards for consumer, environment, climate and animal protection ”. The EU-Mercosur agreement is an example of the wrong trade policy. "We reject the Mercosur Agreement," Rukwied said. The agreement must be retested for environmental and climatic compatibility, as well as animal welfare, and must be adapted to the standards of the European Green Deal.

DBV and FNSEA also call for the import of food and agricultural products that have been produced with substances or processes prohibited in the EU.

Do not import the food we don't want!

A stable and crisis-proof supply of the local population with healthy and affordable food is and remains the main task of agriculture. The COVID-19 crisis has once again demonstrated the importance of strong European agriculture and regional food production for security of supply.

Rules-based trade is also desirable for agriculture in order to gain secure access to the third country market. Trade can be positive for society and for international coexistence. Many non-EU consumers want to enjoy the high quality and safety of European food.

EU trade policy should assess the issue of agricultural trade in a more balanced way.

Sensitive products must remain protected.

It is essential for sustainable agriculture that comparable minimum standards for the protection of the environment, climate and animals are followed in agricultural trade. Today this is not the case or only to a limited extent with many countries or trade agreements.

DBV and FNSEA accept the goals of the Green Deal if there is a reliable path with a just transition for European farmers that fully takes into account the three pillars of sustainability. Therefore, for a successful implementation of the European Green Deal, the FNSEA and the DBV are calling for a fundamental adjustment of trade policy.

Agricultural imports from third countries must not undermine the high and costly EU standards for consumer, environmental, climate and animal protection. Politicians must actively counter this. Plans for

An EU border adjustment is supported in climate protection.

The EU-MERCOSUR agreement is an example of wrong trade policy. It is rejected and must be renegotiated. The agreement must be retested for environmental and climatic compatibility, as well as animal welfare, and must be adapted to the standards of the European Green Deal. This cannot be done through a "declaration", but must be part of the agreement. Trade policy itself must ensure protection against standard dumping.

All future trade agreements must contain specific clauses, according to which agricultural products are only traded duty-free if they comply with European or equivalent standards for the environment, climate and animal welfare. Compliance should be ensured through appropriate mechanisms, including audits and inspection visits by the EU institutions.

Food and agricultural products that have been manufactured using substances or processes prohibited in the EU cannot be imported into the EU. This must also be ensured in trade agreements. Under this condition, the FNSEA and DBV are generally open to new commercial agreements.