Time for EU to ‘walk the walk’ on free trade, farmers say

NEW interest in a free trade deal between Australia and the European Union has been welcomed by the farmers’ industry group, while cautioning that it must bring about real benefits. 

In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra this week, EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, said in a progressively uncertain world, liberalised trade was increasingly important for shared prosperity and growth. 

Australia and the EU have sought closer trade ties before, but progress has been hampered due to differences over tariffs and market access for Australian products. 

President of the National Farmers Federation, David Jochinke, said the ambassador’s comments were encouraging and reflected a position shared by the Australian agriculture sector. 

“The NFF has long championed free and fair trade, not just for agriculture but for all industries, because we recognise its role in global economic growth and stability,” Mr Jochinke said. 

“We strongly welcome the ambassador’s comments that against a backdrop of global uncertainty, ‘the right answer is more free trade ... we have to team up and double down on our hallmark policies of open markets based on free and fair trade’.”  

Mr Jochinke said a free trade agreement between Australia and the EU was “a perfect opportunity for the EU to walk-the-walk” regarding any future leadership role in global trade, by bringing forward “a more liberalised deal” than the one of 2023. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation deal. It must be fair, it must be future-focused, and it must deliver for Australian agriculture,” Mr Jochinke said. 

“Our prime minister and trade minister have been instrumental in standing up for the values of free and open trade, and we urge them to continue doing so. 

“Again, we welcome the renewal of trade talks between Australia and the European Union, but it is imperative that we strike a strong agreement.”