The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) notes reports that the European Union Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, will likely travel to Australia next month to continue negotiations for an Australia – European Union Free Trade Agreement (EU FTA).
The NFF has previously welcomed the resumption of negotiations for an EU FTA and the public commentary from both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade & Tourism around the importance of improved agricultural market access to any prospective deal.
It is imperative that this remains as a predicator for any deal.
The NFF has welcomed recent comments from the EU that in a uncertain world, liberalised trade is increasingly important for shared prosperity and growth. Negotiations present an opportunity for the EU to walk the talk and bring forward a better offer than the one we saw in 2023. In the last attempt to negotiate a free trade agreement, the offer from the Europeans was simply not good enough, and the Australian Government demonstrated principled leadership by not agreeing to the terms in front of them.
The agricultural sector is ready to stand side-by-side with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the broader Government, once again.
The EU FTA will shape trade between Australia and Europe for decades. That’s why it must be fair and balanced, with real gains for Australian agriculture at its core.
Current global uncertainty underscores the need for the Australian Government to maintain its principled support for genuine free and open trade. The NFF has long championed free and fair trade, not just for agriculture but all industries, recognising its role in global economic growth and stability. Australian agriculture is unwavering in its commitment to this.
Comments attributable to NFF President David Jochinke.
Ashleigh Whittaker
Chrissy Kerin