Australia's peak farm advocacy organisation says the Federal Government must hold its nerve in negotiations with the European Union, warning that a substandard deal would fail both Australian farmers and the national interest.
National Farmers' Federation President Hamish McIntyre said farmers want an agreement with the EU, but not one that cements an uneven playing field.
"Agriculture and food have always been hard to negotiate in global trade, but that only increases the importance of landing a good outcome. Australia has a proud history of pushing the benefits of open trade not just as a pillar of our economy, but for the world," Mr McIntyre said.
"We know the Government is keen to land a deal. But we should not accept a subpar agreement for agriculture.
"The Albanese Government has demonstrated exceptional, principles-based leadership in the face of trade uncertainty and episodes of protectionism in recent years.
"In every case, the Government has partnered with industry to prioritise the enduring principles of open and liberalised trade, rather than seeking short-term outcomes.
"We stand ready to support the Government in doing this again," Mr McIntyre said.
He said Australia's long-standing global leadership for free and open trade is a national strength and one that shouldn't be weakened.
"We've pushed for open markets at both the bilateral and multilateral levels for decades. If we pull back now, we risk undermining that leadership position," Mr McIntyre said.
"Any drift away from these principles now, and we set a precedent for future trade agreements that goes against the very standards we expect from others.
"We can't expect liberalised access from other trading partners while accepting restrictive, protectionist terms from Europe.
"The reality is that Europe operates a highly subsidised and protected farm sector, a complete contrast with Australian farmers who are among the least subsidised in the world and who support inbound goods, services and capital.
"While we can't control other nations' policies, we do have control over the trade deals we accept.
"The NFF stands confidently alongside our members on this issue."
Comments Cattle Australia Senior Adviser Dr Chris Parker:
"The Albanese Government and Minister Farrell have a strong record on trade negotiations, and we expect nothing less than this to continue when settling this agreement with the EU so the benefits can flow to all Australians.
"Industry strongly supported the government walking away from a substandard EU agreement in their last term. As an export-focussed nation, Australia needs to advocate for equivalent, rules-based, free market access, as we have done successfully many times in the past.
"Red meat access must be substantial and without impediments. If the EU insists on having quotas, then the conditions relating to these quotas must be minimal to allow for the maximum number of Australian supply chains to participate in the EU market at the lowest possible tariff rate, preferably zero."
Comments Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan:
"The EU's own import needs show there is room for a fair, modern agreement - one that recognises Australia's high-quality, sustainable sugar rather than relying on outdated policy settings that no longer reflect today's market realities.
"Our position hasn't changed - Queensland sugarcane growers want a deal with the EU, but not at any cost. If the choice is no deal or a deal that locks growers into disadvantage for a generation, we'll take no deal every time.
"The EU needs to import sugar every year, and Australia produces sustainably grown, globally recognised sugar that can help meet that demand. The UK agreement shows what a fair, balanced pathway looks like, and that's the model we should be working from."
Comments Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett:
"A free trade agreement with the EU is neither free nor fair for Australian dairy farmers, and poses a greater risk now than ever before, as the operating environment for dairy has deteriorated significantly in recent years," Mr Bennett said.
"The EU exports more than 70,000 tonnes of subsidised dairy to Australia each year, yet Australia exports only 1,500 tonnes in return.
"This proposed agreement would fully open the Australian market for EU producers, but the EU is unwilling to reciprocate for Australian dairy.
"The EU is the world's biggest cheese producer by a country mile, and the Australian market is a drop in the ocean when compared to their production. We're worried that even a modest increase in EU imports, combined with favourable trade terms, could open the floodgates on the local industry.
"The EU's reluctance to not fully open its market is unfair and unjustified - especially given the EU's highly subsidised agricultural markets.
"The EU wants Australia to ban the use of names like parmesan, feta and romano, but these are common names that have been used here for generations."
Comments Ricegrowers Association of Australia President, Peter Herrmann:
"We remain concerned that agriculture will once again play second fiddle to other sectors under the EU Free Trade Agreement. The RGA is calling on the Albanese Government to stand up to EU protectionism, given free market access for EU rice and other commodities in Australia.
"Every tonne of rice that has access to premium markets like the EU, helps keep an Australian rice farm operational and people employed in Australian rice mills."
Comments Sheep Producers Australia Chair Bindi Murray
"Australian sheep producers value every opportunity to diversify our markets on fair and liberalised terms. Agreeing to restrictive terms with the EU would set a damaging precedent for future negotiations and would not reflect Australia's long-standing commitment to free, open and rules-based trade."
