Ricegrowers Call on Government to Stand Firm on EU Trade Deal
The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) is urging the Federal Government to hold firm in negotiations with the European Union, warning that a substandard Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would undermine Australian rice growers and the broader agricultural sector.
RGA President Peter Herrmann said the EU’s protectionist stance risks locking Australian rice out of premium markets while granting free access for EU rice and other commodities into Australia.
“We remain concerned that agriculture will once again play second fiddle to other sectors under the EU Free Trade Agreement. The RGA is calling on the Albanese Government to stand up to EU protectionism, given free market access for EU rice and other commodities in Australia.
Every tonne of rice that has access to premium markets like the EU, helps keep an Australian rice farm operational and people employed in Australian rice mills.”
The call comes as Australia’s peak farm advocacy organisation, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), warns that a weak deal would fail both farmers and the national interest.
This sentiment aligns with National Farmers Federation and other Australian Ag Peak Bodies, who have issued similar statements. Australia farmers want an agreement with the EU, but not one that cements an uneven playing field.
“Agriculture and food have always been hard to negotiate in global trade, but that only increases the importance of landing a good outcome. Australia has a proud history of pushing the benefits of open trade not just as a pillar of our economy, but for the world,” said Hamish McIntyre, NFF President.
RGA President, Peter Herrmann said he “appreciates that Government is keen to land a deal, but we should not accept a subpar agreement for agriculture.” Also stressing that Australia’s long-standing global leadership for free and open trade is a national strength that must not be weakened.
“We’ve pushed for open markets at both the bilateral and multilateral levels for decades. If we pull back now, we risk undermining that leadership position.”
The reality is that Europe operates a highly subsidised and protected farm sector, a complete contrast with Australian farmers who are among the least subsidised in the world and who support inbound goods, services and capital.
While we can’t control other nations’ policies, we do have control over the trade deals we accept.
“The NFF stands confidently alongside our members on this issue.” Says Mr Herrmann.
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