Ahead of the COREPER vote on 14 March, Copa and Cogeca reaffirm their concerns over the European Commission’s trade defense proposal on fertiliser imports. While acknowledging the geopolitical context behind these measures, European farmers will be once again on the frontline for the economic consequences, with rising costs already impacting the market.
The proposal lacks an impact assessment and a clear medium and long-term strategy to ensure farmers’ access to affordable fertilisers. Without targeted amendments, these measures risk harming European agriculture and affecting food security and inflation.
In a letter sent today to Member states, Copa and Cogeca urge the Council Presidency and Member States to support key and necessary adjustments, including a one-year deferral, a reliable safeguard mechanism, higher quota rates, and an annual review clause. Additionally, the scope of the measures should exclude essential fertiliser components (N, P, K and N, P).
Beyond these amendments, a broader diversification strategy is essential. This should include removing anti-dumping duties on key fertilisers, suspending conventional tariffs, and granting derogations under the Nitrates Directive (ReNure, digestate and grassland) to support alternative nutrient sources.
Copa and Cogeca call on EU policymakers to ensure that any trade measures safeguard the competitiveness and resilience of European agriculture.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
