The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the return of Free Trade Agreement talks with the European Union, but says Australia must not settle for anything less than a better deal for farmers than last time.
As flagged by Trade Minister Don Farrell in Senate Estimates, the European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is expect to travel to Australia this week to coincide with the 9th Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) meeting this week, and it’s expected the EU FTA negotiations will take place on the side.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said meeting in Australia marked a positive step, but warned agriculture cannot be short-changed in the rush to sign a deal.
“Farmers want this deal done, but not at any cost. We must get a good deal for Australian agriculture, not a quick deal that compromises it,” Mr McIntyre said.
Minister Farrell told Parliament he had reiterated to Commissioner Sefcovic that Australia needs a better offer on agriculture and that the EU’s willingness to travel to Australia for discussions for the first time was a positive signal.
Mr McIntyre said the message from farmers has been consistent and clear.
“The Government knows where we stand. We’ve had extensive discussions with Minister Farrell and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, and welcome their support that it must be a better deal for Australian agriculture.
“The deal on the table last time simply wasn’t good enough – limited market access and too many strings attached,” he said.
“This isn’t just another trade deal. It will shape our relationship with Europe for decades to come. That’s why it has to be fair, balanced, and deliver real, lasting gains for Australian agriculture.”
The NFF said while global trade disruptions had underscored the importance of diversifying markets, they should not be used as an excuse to lower standards or accept a weak outcome.
“If anything, recent global uncertainty proves why we must get this right,” Mr McIntyre said.
“We need a strong, fair agreement that benefits both sides and reinforces Australia’s role as a reliable, world-class trading partner.”
Australia’s farmers have long supported open, fair trade as the engine room of global growth.
“Protectionism only slows us all down. A solid FTA with Australia gives the EU a chance to show it’s serious about genuine trade leadership.
“We urge the EU to come forward with a better offer than the one we saw in 2023, one that respects the partnership and potential between our two regions.”
The EU is a market of about 446 million people with a nominal GDP of US$18.6 trillion in 2023, equivalent to the second largest economy in the world.
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker