Effects of the Mercosur trade agreement on European agriculture

Question for written answer E-002295/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Kosma Złotowski (ECR) Subject: Effects of the Mercosur trade agreement on European agriculture Polish farmers have legitimate concerns about the EU’s trade agreement with Mercosur – principally with regard to the influx of beef, poultry and agricultural products into our market. These are produced on a larger scale and at lower cost in South America because there are no environmental restrictions in place. As a result of the agreement, imported products will put Polish and EU farmers’ incomes at risk and exert downward pressure on EU food production and quality standards. Uncontrolled imports of agricultural products will make matters worse for farmers already facing price volatility and rising production costs. 1. Is it true that the EU-Mercosur agreement is set to be signed as early as the G20 Summit in Brazil on 18-19 November 2024, and that the Commission is being very active in its efforts to finalise the negotiations on this agreement, despite farmers’ protests? 2. In the course of the negotiations, has the Commission held a dialogue with farmers’ organisations and consulted on the elements of the Mercosur agreement that will have the greatest impact on the future of the sector, and on European farmers in particular? 3. Is it true that the Commission is planning to set up a special fund to compensate EU farmers for the negative effects of the agreement, and if so, what resources will be used to...