Letters to the Editor. “Our farmers face another ordeal just as devastating as the trade agreement with Mercosur countries: Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.”
Laurent Opsomer (Nord) shares his views in our “Letters to the Editor” section on how Ukraine’s potential EU membership could affect French farming:
“’Ave Caesar morituri te salutant’ (‘Hail, Caesar, those who are about to die salute you’ — famous words from gladiators before battle). This phrase might well encapsulate the situation of our farmers. Although they stalled the Mercosur trade deal through their pressure, the European Commission intends to finalize it soon on behalf of the European Union (scheduled for January 17, 2025, in Paraguay). This event will also highlight France’s impotence within this 27-nation bloc, heavily influenced by Germany […].
However, there is a looming challenge of equal, if not greater, magnitude: Ukraine’s inclusion in the European Union. This development is expected to send shockwaves far surpassing those caused by Mercosur.
‘The Landscape Has Changed’
Ukraine is widely recognized as Europe’s “breadbasket.” It stands as an agricultural powerhouse, boasting 33 million hectares—over half the country’s territory—of the ultra-fertile “black earth” (chernozem). In 2023, Ukraine led global exports of sunflower oil with 36% market share, ranked fourth in corn exports, and sixth in wheat exports. Despite the war’s disruption of its role in international food markets, Ukraine remains a major agricultural force.
Before the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine’s exports were mainly destined for Asia, particularly China. The current situation is markedly different: exports are now directed primarily to Europe through river and overland routes facilitated by the “solidarity lanes” initiated by Brussels.”
Original article: ouest-france.fr
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