Reclaiming Food Sovereignty: The EU's Dilemma in Balancing Trade and Sustainability

In a series of interviews exploring the expectations of various segments of the food supply chain, a representative from the European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC), a farmers' organization, has shared their perspective on the future of EU agri-food policy. The interview delves into the organization's stance on controlling agricultural prices, abandoning free trade agreements, and the potential impact of the long-stalled Mercosur trade deal.

Empowering Local Producers, Prioritizing Sustainability

Challenging the Export-Oriented Model

The ECVC, a movement founded in 1993 to organize family and small-scale farmers worldwide, has been a vocal advocate for food sovereignty. Andoni Garcia Arriola, a Spanish farmer and member of the organization's coordinating committee, emphasizes the need to rethink the EU's approach to trade agreements and agricultural policies.Arriola argues that the EU's pursuit of free trade policies has contributed to the "replacement" of local agricultural products with imported ones, leading to a "depression of domestic prices." He contends that this export-oriented production model for agriculture clashes with the objectives of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, which aim to make the EU's food systems more sustainable.

Regaining Control over Imports and Prices

The ECVC representative proposes a shift in the EU's approach, calling for greater control over imports and the implementation of minimum entry prices. Arriola stresses that this is not a protectionist measure, but rather a means to "recover our food sovereignty."The organization's stance on the Mercosur trade deal is clear – they advocate for the paralysis of negotiations and the freezing of existing free trade agreements. Arriola argues that the potential influx of cheaper agricultural products from powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil would further undermine the EU's domestic producers.

Aligning Trade and Sustainability Objectives

The ECVC's position challenges the EU's current trade policies, which they believe are at odds with the goals of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. Arriola emphasizes the need for the EU's agri-food policy and trade policy to prioritize the single market and local food production within a model of sustainable agriculture.The organization's call for greater control over imports and prices is rooted in their desire to reclaim food sovereignty and support small-scale, family-based farming. They argue that this approach would better align with the EU's sustainability objectives, ensuring that the bloc's agricultural sector can thrive while also reducing its environmental impact.

Respecting the Sovereignty of Third Countries

Interestingly, the ECVC's stance extends beyond the EU's borders, as Arriola stresses the need to "respect the food sovereignty of third countries." This suggests a more holistic view of food systems, where the EU's policies and trade agreements consider the impact on global partners and their own food security.The organization's call for a fundamental shift in the EU's approach to trade and agriculture reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of these issues. As the EU navigates the complexities of balancing trade, sustainability, and the needs of its diverse agricultural sector, the ECVC's perspective offers a compelling alternative vision for the future of EU agri-food policy.