Fewer Food Imports in the Future?

The EU plans to "create a more independent and sustainable EU protein system while diversifying imports." This is stated in the new draft law by the EU Commission, which aims to restrict food imports of pesticide-treated products. This diversification is seen as essential to avoid food shortages in the future, should the import of products from entire countries be restricted.

The reasons for the draft law include health risks for consumers due to pesticides and the increasingly strict environmental regulations in the EU for agricultural businesses. The latter have recently faced difficulties staying competitive, as many imports from non-EU countries can be sold at significantly lower prices. This is due to the higher and more stable yields of these products, which can be achieved through the use of pesticides.

What Does the Draft Law Bring for the EU?

Agricultural businesses within the EU would benefit from the draft law. Cheap products treated with pesticides banned by the EU in the draft would no longer be allowed to be sold in the EU. As a result, products from EU agricultural businesses would become competitive again.

Furthermore, diversifying the purchase of certain products could help offset production losses and price fluctuations. For example, soybeans are currently mainly sourced from Argentina and Brazil. If the EU were to impose restrictions on pesticide-treated products here, alternatives would need to be sought in other countries, which could expand trade relationships.

Disadvantages of the New Draft Law

The disadvantages of the new draft law could include potentially higher prices for consumers, who would have to rely on products that are more expensive to produce because no pesticides would be allowed.

Additionally, existing trade agreements with other countries could become more strained – including with the USA. Donald Trump has long accused the EU of unfair trade practices. There is a risk that high tariffs could be imposed on EU export products, which the US president currently applies to all countries he deems to be engaging in unfair trade. However, the EU Commission does not want to impose blanket restrictions on countries or products for exactly these reasons. Instead, decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis, according to an EU official from the Commission.