After the European Parliament approved the updated trade deal between the EU and Mexico, Copa and Cogeca, representing European farmers and agricultural cooperatives, highlighted the new opportunities for EU agri-food exports presented by the agreement. They emphasized that its success relies on effective implementation and strict monitoring.
The organizations noted the potential for increased market access to Mexico for European producers, improved regulatory cooperation, and enhanced protection for EU geographical indications. However, they stressed that these advantages depend on practical implementation and equitable market access.
Copa and Cogeca raised significant concerns about an extra tariff quota of 35,000 tonnes of Mexican honey, warning it could pressure the already fragile EU beekeeping sector. They cautioned that cumulative trade concessions from various agreements may adversely impact European producers.
The organizations urged the European Commission and Mexican authorities to ensure robust protection for EU geographical indications, enhance cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, animal health and welfare, and closely monitor tariff rate quotas and their effects on sensitive agricultural sectors.
European agricultural bodies asserted that the agreement’s success hinges not just on new trade opportunities but also on genuine market access, fair competition, effective rule implementation, and long-term security for EU farmers and cooperatives.
*Copa (the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations) represents over 22 million European farmers and their families, uniting with its members to advocate for the agricultural sector’s best interests in EU institutions and other relevant bodies. It consists of 60 organizations from EU countries and 36 partners from other European nations, including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
**Cogeca (the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives) represents the general and specific interests of European agri-food, forestry, and fishery cooperatives among EU Institutions and other socio-economic organizations. It currently advocates for around 22,000 farmers’ cooperatives, employing approximately 660,000 people across Europe, with a global annual turnover exceeding 300 billion euros.
Leave a Reply