Stephen Cadogan: European food producers are split on the advance of Mercosur

Farmers drive their tractors before a rally against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on Monday in Beauvais, northern France. Poster reads: do not import what is forbidden in France. Photo: AP/Matthieu Mirville

European milk processors have split from much of the broader agri-food industry by coming out strongly in favour of an EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which may be concluded next week.

The European Dairy Association (EDA) joined 77 business associations from the EU and South America, ranging from car makers to brewers, calling on EU leaders to prioritise the swift conclusion of the free trade deal.