Nicosia, Cyprus. An environmental movement warned on Thursday that the EU–Mercosur trade agreement could expose Cypriot halloumi producers to increased competition due to insufficient safeguards for protected designation of origin products.
Concerns over imports and safeguards
The movement said livestock farmers and growers in Cyprus and Europe fear an influx of cheap meat and agricultural products from Mercosur countries, including goods produced using pesticides that have been banned in the EU for decades. It described the agreement as “colonial-style,” saying it primarily benefits large companies exporting technology while placing a heavy burden on local farmers.
It said the EU–Mercosur agreement would be a blow to Cyprus’ economy and food security, adding that protecting halloumi and the primary sector is a matter of economic survival for the country.
Warnings about impact on local farming
The movement warned of unfair competition between large-scale industrial producers and local livestock farmers, and said European farmers are concerned about the impact of low-cost imports from Latin America on the European market. It said that if such agreements pass without drastic changes, they will lead to the destruction of the Cypriot countryside.
Planned protest and political reaction
Farmers and representatives of several political parties are set to protest the agreement with a march from Eleftherias Square to the presidential palace on Saturday morning.
On Wednesday, Akel MEP Giorgos Georgiou said the Mercosur deal “hangs like a sword of Damocles over the heads of farmers.” He said safeguards approved by the European Parliament were insufficient to protect Cyprus’ agricultural sector and European producers, adding that “we have failed to secure protection for basic traditional products.”
How do you think Cyprus should protect halloumi and other traditional products under the EU–Mercosur agreement?
