The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry defended that the European Commission needs to ensure the interests of European farmers, particularly of Azorean farmers, in the negotiations with Mercosul, suggesting that “a thorough and serious analysis should be carried out before any decision is taken.”

Speaking at the end of a meeting with the Board of the São Miguel Agricultural Association, Noé Rodrigues stressed the need to take measures concerning food safety, fair competition between countries and particularly with regard to the “protection of Europe as a productive and industrious geographical area” in the context of these same negotiations.

For the Regional Secretary, the European Union “should provide a detailed explanation on how it will safeguard the interests of European farmers and the agricultural sector while liberalising the market for South America countries.”

Noé Rodrigues recalled that a study conducted by the European Union foresees liabilities to the agricultural sector, but also benefits to other sectors, such as the case of trade. In this context, the Regional Secretary said that all those who will benefit from these negotiations should show some solidarity towards those who will be in disadvantage with such agreement.