Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Europe-U.S. trade talks tough



There is strong farmer opposition in Europe to a free trade deal with the United States, leading to speculation the negotiations will fail.

Farmers say a deal would sell out European restrictions on products such as meat from animals raised using hormones or beta-agonists. 

The EU restrictions have significantly limited the ability of most U.S. meat and poultry producers and processors to sell their products in Europe, while also protecting that industry in Europe, although its costs of production are high relative to global benchmarks.

Canada has negotiated a deal, but Canadian meat packers are finding that challenges remain, including European food-safety protocol approvals for packing plants.

But the European deal is far from the only challenge facing American farmers who want improved access to markets.

All of the leading candidates to become president have declared their opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Canadian meat packers and grains industry leaders say Canada should sign on, even if the United States doesn’t, because it would open lucrative markets in countries such as Japan and Viet Nam.