Farming Life | 26 December 2015

EU Agriculture would be gross losers in TTIP Agreement - Anderson MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said that a study carried out on behalf of the US Department of Agriculture shows that EU Agriculture would be the gross loser in any of the three scenarios considered.

MEP Anderson said: “The study by the United States Department of Agriculture shows how the US would benefit from TTIP while the EU would lose, in all of the three scenarios examined.

“Even using the highly criticized CGE economic model which it is claimed paints an overly optimistic picture of the possible gains for the EU, our agriculture in all three areas examining Tariffs, Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs) and Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) would be a major loser.

“The three scenarios considered by the report were, removal of Tarriffs and TRQs, removal of select NTMs as well as tariffs and TRQs and finally, the effects of removal of NTMs on consumer demand.

“The report findings clearly show that the EU Agriculture sector would suffer major disadvantages if TTIP was to incorporate any of these three scenarios,” said Ms Anderson.

“I believe that before the EU progesses any further in these negotiations an in depth analytical examination of all aspects of this area of consideration needs to be undertaken to ensure full understanding of the impact on our food and agriculture sectors.

“Measures must be taken to protect our farmers and food producers.”