How Phil Hogan helped to clinch a key trade deal
Japan’s Agriculture Minister Yuji Yamamoto had concerns that the proposed removal of import tariffs would flood the market with European cheese, disrupt the supply-demand balance in raw milk and deal a severe blow to aging domestic dairy farmers. The Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives, or JA-Zenchu, held an emergency rally over the proposed deal.
However, the positions were well known on both sides. The EU wants market access for goods, especially for processed agricultural products, because the EU is responsible for half of the world’s cheese output. Also, the EU wants acceptance of graphical indicators protecting regional food brands such as Clare Island Salmon, Connemara Hill Lamb and Timoleague Brown Pudding, in Ireland’s case.
