EU has reached limits of generosity on trade concessions, says minister
In an address to the annual conference dinner of the Irish Co-operative Organisation in Dublin, she said her determination at all stages of the negotiations has been to see an approach that is fair and reasonable.
It is one that is capable of delivering an even playing pitch that allows for growing access to developed countries and developing country partners, while maintaining a competitive base for home producers.
But those watching developments are doing so with concern. The implications of the WTO are significantly negative for beef where serious competition is already being faced from Brazil, even at non-concessionary tariff rates.
Further reductions in tariff rates will simply invite far greater levels of beef imports into the EU, while diminishing export refunds will threaten competition in international markets.
Butter and whole milk powder are most exposed to the current offer as these have the higher rate of protection at present and therefore the greatest potential level of tariff reductions.
“We do of course have the possibility of minimising the risk though we need to be very careful in our analysis of sensitive product designation for fear that we make a bad situation even worse,” Ms Coughlan said.
“Nor are we safe yet on domestic supports. I, and many of my ministerial colleagues, remain adamant that we will not budge an inch in increasing the current very generous offer of a reduction of 70% in Amber Box supports such as intervention, private storage and internal aids and subsidies.
“This is a red line for me personally. I will not agree to any further offer that would require us to forsake our existing contract with Irish farmers which was agreed only two years ago and set down in legal form as part of the Luxembourg Agreement.
“This is also my view in relation to the Green Box (domestic supports), where I will not allow any concession that would cause further cuts to be applied to decoupled payments.”
She said phasing out of export refunds will have to be matched by balanced measures from the EU’s negotiating partners in relation to export credits, State trading enterprises and contrived forms of food aid.
ICOS president Padraig Gibbons told the conference the EU must make no further concessions on agriculture in the trade talks.
