2024-11-10 17:34:00
The Minister of Agriculture wants to reassure. Questioned on France 3, Annie Genevard explained that the President of the European Commission “ Ursula von der Leyen knows perfectly well France’s position on Mercosur, as well as other countries, and this is the reason why this agreement will not be signed » during the G20 which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, on November 18 and 19.
As a reminder, negotiations with the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) have resumed in recent months under the leadership of European countries including Germany and Spain. But theThe minister recalled France’s opposition to signing this agreement as it stands.
« It’s a bad agreement (which) will cause a surge in our country of production which will directly compete with our producers: 99,000 tonnes of beef, 180,000 tonnes of sugar, as much (meat of) poultry. In addition, this comes at the cost of deforestation and environmental standards “, she said.
Unions and the political opposition head on
French agricultural unions are categorically opposed to the signing of this agreement, negotiated for decades between the EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia). They made this signature “ a red line » not to be crossed, while they plan an amplification of the mobilization in the countryside from mid-November, not excluding going as far as Brussels to say it.
For their part, Friday, deputies from the left and the National Rally adopted, during the examination of the budget, a tax on cattle imports. It aims “not to put (farmers) into international competition”defended LFI MP Manon Meunier during the debates, castigating a government which “is preparing to let the signing of the ratification of the free trade treaty pass” between Mercosur and the European Union and “let (thus) 99,000 tonnes of beef enter the territory”.
Already Monday, more than 200 deputies from ecologists to LR urged President Emmanuel Macron in a forum to do everything to “block the conclusion of the agreement” within the EU. During the debates, the government camp stressed that it was “against the agreement with Mercosur as it is written today”in the words of Renaissance deputy Jean-René Cazeneuve, echoing those of the President of the Republic.
“What we are asking for are equal standards for all, since we farmers are asked (…) to respect strict environmental and health standards,” declared, for her part, Renaissance MP Sandrine Le Feur.
No “ naivete » with Donald Trump
Furthermore, while Donald Trump promised during his campaign a 10 to 20% increase in customs duties on products imported into the United States, Annie Genevard called on Europe to “ protect oneself (against) an attack ».
« The customs measures announced would be very harmful. You must not be naive. When Donald Trump says “America First”, we must say Europe Fist, France First “, she pleaded. “ This means that Europe must protect itself. We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated, dispossessed of our own productions, we must respond “, she insisted, without indicating how.
The United States is the leading export market for French wines. During Donald Trump’s first term, customs taxes of 25% were imposed in October 2019 by the American administration on certain products, including cheeses, wines, then cognac a few months at the end of his term. Punitive customs duties on this wine brandy would significantly complicate the lives of producers, already affected by similar measures from Beijing.
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**Interview with Annie Genevard, French Minister of Agriculture**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Genevard. Recently, you stated that France will not support the Mercosur agreement due to concerns over its impacts on local agriculture. Can you elaborate on France’s position?
**Annie Genevard:** Certainly. As I mentioned in my interview on France 3, we have made it very clear to President Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission that France opposes the current terms of the Mercosur agreement. Our primary concerns revolve around the significant quantities of imports that would directly compete with our local producers—99,000 tonnes of beef, for instance, along with substantial amounts of sugar and poultry. This is not just an economic issue; it also raises serious environmental concerns related to deforestation and poor agricultural standards in the partner countries.
**Interviewer:** Could you explain how this opposition is being supported by various stakeholders, like agricultural unions and political groups?
**Annie Genevard:** Absolutely. French agricultural unions are resolutely against the agreement, declaring it a “red line.” They are planning to amplify their mobilizations, which may even reach Brussels to make our concerns heard. Additionally, various political factions, including members of the left and the National Rally, are advocating for measures like taxes on imported cattle to ensure that our farmers do not face unfair competition. Their advocacy reflects a broader sentiment among many lawmakers that the proposed agreement is problematic.
**Interviewer:** With the G20 meeting approaching, do you think there’s a possibility that this agreement could be reconsidered or modified?
**Annie Genevard:** I remain cautious. While negotiations have resumed among European nations, France’s position is firm. We have communicated our stance clearly, and we believe that any potential agreement must adequately protect our regions, our farmers, and our environmental standards. As it stands, we cannot support a deal that jeopardizes our agricultural integrity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Genevard, for sharing France’s position on this crucial issue. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds at the G20 and beyond.
**Annie Genevard:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open on these matters, especially for the future of our agriculture and the environment.
