EU farmers take to the streets against free trade

Various European farmers' organizations demonstrated on Friday 25 January for a fair trade policy. The Dutch Arable Farming Union (NAV) and the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV) were also present.

The demonstrating farmers find the competition with non-European countries unfair. This is because farmers in Europe have to deal with high standards for the environment, animal welfare and water quality, while many products come onto the market that do not meet these. "The lower cost price in non-European countries (due to the lack of strict standards) results in unfair competition," according to the NMV in a press release.

Same standards
"Only products that meet the same standards may be placed on the European market," the protesters said. They mainly agitate against free trade agreements (such as the trade agreement between the European Union and Canada). The organizations also argue that free trade gives more power to multinationals, which weakens the position of the farmer.

The approximately 100 demonstrating farmers started their protest in the German-Belgian Lichtenbusch around noon. The group also plans to sign a European farmers' declaration. The farmers are calling on Brussels and national politicians to focus on the greatest possible degree of European self-sufficiency.

Incompatible with climate ambitions
Global free trade is also incompatible with climate ambitions. "The unnecessary dragging of products is a shame", says dairy farmer Hans Geurts to the NOS. "It also leads to more CO₂emissions. If countries aim for a high degree of self-sufficiency in Europe, savings can be made on transport via sea and air."

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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