The group “ Côte-d’Or Lands of the Future » strongly mobilizes against the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries. This refusal is an expression of their support for farmers, consumer defense associations, and environmental protectors who, throughout France, are calling to reject this devastating agreement. This opposition is a continuation of the wish tabled and unanimously adopted in December 2018. They refuse this agreement like all other international free trade agreements of this nature.
This agreement, like so many others, is justified in the name of “ competitiveness » and global growth. But at what cost? The reality is that these agreements impose unfair economic competition which weighs unbearably on French farmers. Producers must respect strict health and environmental standards, much more restrictive than those in Mercosur countries. However, this agreement opens the doors to food products from controversial production methods, including the use of phytosanitary products banned in France. These products end up on consumers’ plates, thus compromising their safety and health.
A vision for local and sustainable agriculture
Faced with this deadly race for global competitiveness, the Côte-d'Or Terres d'Avenir group is calling for a rethink of our agricultural and food model. According to them, it is essential to financially support the transition to sustainable agriculture. By increasing the number of small production units, for example, we could reduce international transport that consumes fossil fuels and strengthen our local resilience. Three small farms are better than one big one, ecologically, socially and humanly. A network of small productive units makes it possible to recreate a direct link between producers and consumers, thus promoting quality food and harmonious development of our territories.
For a courageous political decision
The group recalls that we are facing the climate emergency and the collapse of biodiversity. However, our leaders continue to favor immediate financial interests to the detriment of the future. This short-term vision is untenable. France can no longer simply declare that it is “against this agreement as it stands”. Like the Peasant Confederation, they demand that the French government obtain the definitive withdrawal of the negotiating mandate that the European Commission has on the EU-Mercosur agreement. According to them, it is time to build an agricultural policy that respects people, nature, and the future of our children.
Local actors united against Mercosur
Christophe Avena, President of Côte-d'Or Terres d'Avenir, accompanied by Céline Tonot, vice-president, and numerous members of their group representing territories such as Arnay-le-Duc, Chenôve, Dijon, Longvic/Gevrey , affirm their desire to oppose this agreement and defend local farmers. Together, they call for a fairer, more ecological and more humane agricultural model.
By refusing Mercosur, they refuse to sacrifice our health and our resources for illusory economic gains. On the contrary, they affirm their commitment to agriculture that respects the land and future generations. There is still time to change course, but this requires political courage and the will to protect what we have most precious: our food sovereignty, our environment, and our health.
