The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) notes confirmation that Trade Minister Don Farrell and European Union (EU) Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič have met to progress the EU-Au Free Trade Agreement, with both sides stating that “good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters” and they will now report back to their Leaders.
Comments attributable to NFF President Hamish McIntyre:
While industry is yet to receive details from the latest negotiating round, it is widely understood that going into the most recent round of negotiations the key remaining issues relate to agricultural market access into the EU.
Prior to departing for Brussels, the Government was clear that it would not accept a deal that failed to deliver materially improved outcomes for Australian agriculture.
Minister Farrell also stated any agreement must include “new, commercially meaningful market access for our agricultural producers”.
Australian agriculture is pro-trade and supports a high-quality agreement with the EU. However, industry expects the Government will hold firm to the standard it publicly set.
The Prime Minister must ensure any agreement delivers genuine, commercially meaningful market access for Australian farmers.
Anything less would fall short of the Government’s stated position and undermine confidence in Australia’s commitment to open, liberalised trade.
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker