The German Poultry Association (ZDG) strongly warns of the consequences of the planned EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The agreement jeopardizes the future of European and German poultry farming and contradicts fundamental principles of fair and sustainable agricultural policy.
“This agreement opens markets for poultry meat produced under conditions that are in no way comparable to European standards”, said ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick. Already, around one-third of poultry meat imports into the EU come from Mercosur countries, and this figure is rising. The planned quota of 180,000 tons would further exacerbate these distortions of competition.
Moreover, serious food and animal health problems exist in the exporting countries. EU audits have repeatedly identified deficiencies in Brazil regarding the control of animal diseases, food safety, and hygiene. President Goldnick therefore calls on the German government and the European Parliament to reject the agreement in its current form and to advocate for a trade policy that protects European standards and sustainable agriculture.
“We need fair competition with effective safeguard clauses in trade agreements to secure domestic production, guarantee national food sovereignty, and ensure optimal consumer protection”, the ZDG President concluded.
