The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions between Australia and the European Union, but maintains that any new proposal must deliver improved agricultural access compared with previous negotiations.
As outlined by Trade Minister Don Farrell in Senate Estimates, European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is expected to visit Australia this week during the 9th Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) meeting. EU–Australia FTA talks are expected to take place alongside the event.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said holding discussions in Australia is a constructive step but noted the organisation's view that agriculture must not be compromised in efforts to finalise an agreement.
"Farmers want this deal done, but not at any cost. We must get a good deal for Australian agriculture, not a quick deal that compromises it," McIntyre said.
Minister Farrell told Parliament he had reiterated to Commissioner Sefcovic that Australia requires an improved agricultural offer and said the EU's willingness to travel for discussions was encouraging. McIntyre said the position of Australian farmers remains unchanged.
"The Government knows where we stand. We've had extensive discussions with Minister Farrell and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, and welcome their support that it must be a better deal for Australian agriculture," he said.
"The deal on the table last time simply wasn't good enough – limited market access and too many strings attached."
The NFF said the agreement would influence the Australia-EU–EU relationship for years and argued that it should provide balanced outcomes that support long-term agricultural competitiveness. It added that recent global trade disruptions highlight the need for diversified markets, but should not justify accepting unfavourable terms.
"We need a strong, fair agreement that benefits both sides and reinforces Australia's role as a reliable trading partner," McIntyre said.
The organisation also noted that Australian farmers support open and rules-based trade, and that a robust FTA could demonstrate the EU's approach to broader trade leadership.
"We urge the EU to come forward with a better offer than the one we saw in 2023, one that respects the partnership and potential between our two regions," McIntyre said.
The European Union has a population of about 446 million and recorded a nominal GDP of US$18.6 trillion in 2023, making it one of the world's largest markets.
For more information:
NFF
Tel: +61 (0) 26269 5666
Email: [email protected]
www.nff.org.au
