Hundreds of Tractors: Farmers Rally Against Food Imports from Non-EU Nations

Prague – Today, hundreds of tractors and agricultural machinery traveled along major roads in the Czech Republic, heading towards border crossings to protest against food imports from non-EU countries. The farmers’ actions caused minimal disruption to traffic, with a brief complete blockage at the Náchod border crossing, while in other areas, they demonstrated without their equipment. Notably, the protests did not extend to Prague. Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) expressed confusion over the protests, asserting that the trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries should not negatively impact Czech farmers’ market position.

Czech farmers participated in a broader European demonstration, joining their counterparts from neighboring nations at border crossings. Key organizers in the Czech Republic include the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic and the Union of Czech Farmers. They are calling for the repeal of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement or, at the very least, the exclusion of agricultural products from it. Additionally, they are expressing concerns over duty-free imports from Ukraine, arguing that farmers in these external countries do not adhere to the same stringent standards as those within the EU. The farmers are demanding equal conditions in the European marketplace and a reduction in bureaucratic processes.

Minister Výborný countered the farmers’ claims, stating that imports from South America to Europe are minimal and that the Mercosur agreement does not entirely liberalize the market. He explained, “There’s a clearly defined quota, for example, for beef that is double the current imports, and any excess will incur a standard duty of about 20 percent.” He also emphasized that if certain plant protection products, pesticides, or livestock nutrition preparations are restricted in Europe, then it is reasonable for similar standards to apply to farmers in the USA and Latin America. Regarding bureaucratic concerns, he highlighted a recent amendment to the veterinary law, approved by the Senate, which includes 35 changes aimed at reducing the administrative burden on farmers. (February 27)