Don Farrell leaves Brussels with no Australia-EU free trade agreement signed

Australia is not backing down to Europe’s prosecco and feta fight, with the free trade agreement no closer to being signed.

Australia and the European Union are no closer to a $100bn free-trade agreement, as the impasse over naming rights continues.

Trade Minister Don Farrell cut his mid-year holidays early to fly to Brussels this week to try and break the deadlock, but two days of tough negotiations failed to render a compromise, and he has left the continent without a signed deal.

Still optimistic that the two sides can broker a deal that satisfies them both, Senator Farrell will meet again with his European counterparts next month.

While Australia wants the EU to grant it “meaningful” access to the agriculture and trade market of about 250 million people, the EU has been threatening the right of Australian producers to use names like prosecco, feta and parmesan.

If the EU had their way, the use of those names would be restricted to products originating in specific European regions.

Trade Minister Don Farrell travelled to Brussels this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Australia has argued that Europeans have brought their culture to Australia through decades of immigration, and should therefore be able to continue using the name.

Senator Farrell overnight said he was disappointed the two sides were no closer to an agreement, but said Australia had not been offered a deal it could accept.

“My job as Australia’s trade minister is to get the best deal we can for our producers, our businesses and our wine makers, and so we will continue to have constructive discussions with the Europeans with the ultimate aim of reaching an agreement,” he said from Brussels.

“The Europeans have reiterated that they want an agreement, as does Australia.

“In the interest of both of our groups, we will continue discussions, with a view that we want to – as quickly as we can – resolve the outstanding issues that divide us and achieve an European Union-Australia free trade agreement.”

If the EU had their way, Australia would not be able to name its sparkling Italian-style wine ‘prosecco’. Champagne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Nor could Australia call Australian-made cheeses ‘feta’, ‘mozzarella’, or ‘parmesan’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Senator Farrell said he would stand firm in ensuring Australia got a good deal with the EU that satisfied both countries.

He said it was clear achieving such a goal would require both “good will and hard work” but he was confident the two parties “will achieve” a good result.

“We’re making progress and I’m optimistic based on the good relations … and we both want an agreement,” he said.

“I believe the opportunity is there, but it will take more work and effort. But we’re prepared to persevere and persist until we get the right result.”

The next round of negotiations will occur next month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Senator Farrell's determination not to back down to Europe’s requests has garnered support from the National Farmers Federation, who said they supported the government’s decision to continue working towards a “high quality trade deal”.

“We’re hopeful that with some grit and goodwill from both sides we can get this thing done in a way that benefits everyone, including Aussie farmers,” chief executive Tony Mahar said from Brussels.

“We applaud Minister Farrell and the negotiating team for rejecting a substandard deal. A lesser minister might have folded in what continues to be a tough negotiation.

“Australia should not have to accept a deal which is inferior to that of other countries. We’re confident that through continued engagement we can achieve the fair market access outcomes sought by Aussie farmers.”

The next meeting will take place in August.