The adoption of the proposal to sign the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) brings back into focus the vulnerabilities of Romania’s agricultural system in the face of global trade liberalization. While the European Commission promotes the agreement as a major economic opportunity for exporters and industry, the agricultural sector in Romania is firmly voicing its concerns.

Farmers demand rejection of the agreement in its current form

Representatives of Romania’s main professional organizations, united under the Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation, have publicly stated their firm position that Romania should not ratify this agreement in its current form. The central argument is related to systemic risks for local farmers, who cannot compete with agri-food products originating from countries with lower standards in food safety, traceability, labor conditions, and environmental protection.

According to the analysis submitted by farmers’ organizations, implementation of the agreement could lead to a significant increase in imports of beef, sugar, poultry, and other sensitive products, severely affecting domestic production.

Lack of official response at the governmental level

Despite the potentially major impact, Romania’s central authorities have not issued any clear official position regarding the agreement. Farmers denounce the lack of reaction from the Ministry of Agriculture and the prolonged silence of the Government, in a context where other European states, such as France and Austria, have already expressed open opposition.

In July, Romania signed a joint declaration with France calling for a postponement of the agreement’s application and the introduction of additional safeguards to protect local producers. However, the document is not binding, and the absence of a coherent national strategy remains problematic.

Safety clauses at the European level, but insufficient

The European Commission has included in the agreement so-called “safeguard measures” for sensitive sectors: monitoring the volume of imports, intervening in cases of significant price fluctuations, and the possibility of temporarily suspending trade concessions. In addition, an extension of an agricultural crisis fund is proposed.

Romanian farmers argue that these measures are difficult to apply and delayed in real time, while the economic and social losses may become irreversible before any protection mechanisms are activated.

Conclusion: a firm and proactive national position is needed

In the absence of a clear strategy and a firmly assumed position by the Government, Romania risks becoming a passive actor in the ratification process of an agreement with structural effects on national agriculture. A real dialogue with farmers, a realistic impact assessment, and negotiation at the European level are necessary to protect the interests of Romanian agriculture in the coming years.

(Photo: Freepik)