Spain's organic sector isn't worried about Mercosur organic food imports into Europe, but calls for reciprocal trade rules so that local organic farmers and livestock producers can compete equally with those in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
"The organic sector isn't concerned about South American organic produce entering the European market because it already meets the same legal requirements as local production and must be certified under EU-certified regulations, unlike conventional growers and livestock products," stated Álvaro Barrera, President of Ecovalia, the main organization representing the sector in Spain.
"For over 15 years, the European Union has maintained equivalence agreements on ecological, biological, or organic production regulations with Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), as well as with Chile, Mexico, and the United States. This means the existing rules concerning fertilizers, phytosanitary products, waiting periods, and controls are already aligned, so there is no concern about the free trade agreement," Barrera stated.
Mutual recognition
However, implementing the agreement depends on a reciprocity principle that is not yet guaranteed. "European organic producers require equal recognition in these countries. In other words, a certified European organic product, complying with all standards and regulations in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, or Uruguay, cannot currently be imported into these nations, and this issue must be resolved," he emphasized.
In fact, Ecovalia believes that by implementing this reciprocity, the European Union's free trade agreement with Mercosur could present European organic producers with a significant opportunity to expand, as markets in Brazil and Argentina, in particular, are highly receptive to European products such as oil and wine.
"The agri-food sector is not inherently opposed to free trade treaties and sees them as potential opportunities. However, we are calling for reciprocity and equal rules to ensure fair competition," Barrera concluded.
For more information:
Ecovalia
Edificio Insur. Avda. Diego Martínez Barrio, nº 10
1ª planta, Módulo 12. 41013 – Sevilla
www.ecovalia.org
