CANBERRA – French livestock farmers are voicing strong opposition to a potential trade deal between the European Union and Australia, warning that it could undermine domestic production standards and lead to unfair competition. The concerns center on the potential for increased imports of Australian beef and lamb, which they argue are produced under conditions that would be prohibited in Europe.
The debate comes as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen prepares to visit Australia from March 23 to 25, with a key objective of finalizing the long-awaited free trade agreement. According to a statement released by the European Commission, the visit aims to “strengthen EU ties with a trusted, like-minded partner in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.”
Interbev, the French interprofessional organization for the livestock and meat industries, has published an open letter calling for beef and lamb to be excluded from the negotiations. The organization claims that Brussels is considering allowing 24,000 tonnes of Australian beef and 20,000 tonnes of Australian lamb to enter the European market under preferential tariffs – a six to seven-fold increase over current levels. Australian producers, however, are reportedly seeking access to at least 50,000 tonnes of beef and 67,000 tonnes of sheep and goat meat.
The core of the French farmers’ objection lies in differing production practices. Interbev alleges that Australian livestock farming relies on methods banned in the EU, including the mutilation of sheep, the leverage of growth-promoting hormones in cattle, and intensive feedlot systems. They similarly cite concerns about animal transport standards. “Opening our market further to these productions without demanding any reciprocity in standards is to organize unfair competition to the detriment of our breeders and betray commitments made to European consumers,” the letter states.
The concerns echo similar opposition to a recent trade agreement with Mercosur countries, which also proposed increased access for South American beef to the EU market. French farmers have also recently announced plans for origin checks on meat products sold in France, following an EU audit that identified ongoing traceability issues with hormone use in Brazilian beef production.
Negotiations between the EU and Australia stalled in 2023 over market access for meat exports, but were revived last year amid growing global trade tensions, particularly following the imposition of tariffs by the United States. The European Commission is actively seeking to diversify its trade relationships, having recently concluded a trade deal with India.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with President von der Leyen in Canberra on March 24, marking the seventh meeting between the two leaders. According to the Australian Prime Minister’s office, the discussions will focus on strengthening the relationship between Australia and the European Union, with a shared commitment to democratic values, security, and trade.
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