Despite the fact that the German Federal Government is in favour of a free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American organisation "Mercosur", the opinion of the country's farmers is diametrically opposed.

„The export interests of individual industries are undermining everything that Europe stands for in terms of the environment, climate protection, animal welfare and process standards. This policy lacks credibility, undermines the climate and threatens domestic food supplies", says Carl von Butler, Secretary General of the German Farmers' Union (BBV).

BBV calls on the European Council and the European Parliament to reject the agreement, which has been "blessed" these days by the European Commission's head Ursula von der Leyen, who says it creates a market for 700 million people.

But Austria, France and Poland are trying to persuade other countries to reject the deal. Lithuania is one of the countries that has not yet voted on Mercosur. The Seimas Committee on Rural Affairs is already urging the Seimas to vote against the agreement.

And while the German federal government explains that only products that meet EU standards will enter the EU market, this is of little comfort to farmers' organisations. The latter are calling for the creation of EU funds to compensate farmers on the continent for possible losses due to increased competition.

„Mercosur“ countries will be allowed to export 30 000 tonnes of cheese and 10 000 tonnes of skimmed milk meal to the EU. Import duties on butter will be reduced by 30% and on yoghurts by 50% once the agreement enters into force.

In addition to beef and pork, „Mercosur“ countries will be allowed to import 180 000 tonnes of poultry meat, 180 000 tonnes of sugar and 45 000 tonnes of honey duty-free into the EU. Other concessions for individual products are also foreseen.