Australia-EU free trade deal: UDV express concern over geographic indicators

A roadshow by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria is highlighting how European Union rules will restrict how Australia markets its cheese abroad.

Hard line: Under EU proposals, the makers of Australian feta would be forced to create a new description for their product.

AUSTRALIAN cheese may be better than feta, but Victorian produce will struggle in European supermarkets under generic names imposed by Brussels, the state’s dairy lobby warns.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Paul Mumford has urged the sector to push back against European Union demands for Australia to restrict the use of common cheese names in a proposed free-trade agreement.

“Australian dairy farmers want to trade with Europe but it needs to be not only free but also fair,” Mr Mumford said.

“The European Union is demanding we stop using common product names. That means phrases such as feta, parmesan, mozzarella won’t be able to be used by Australia under a potential deal with the EU. Using generic cheese brand names would put Australia at a great disadvantage against competitors in supermarkets and shops around the world.”

As part of a Brussels-Canberra deal, the EU would ban Australia using the names of 236 beverages and 172 foods, including 56 cheeses.

MORE: Geographic indications: EU threat to Australian dairy

Government urged to resist EU plan to enforce geographic indicators

The EU would require Australian cheese to be rebranded and repackaged to ensure products were not mistaken for their European equivalents.

“Compromise monikers” such as “Australian mozzarella” or “Victorian feta” would not be permitted in a free trade deal with the EU, Mr Mumford said.

Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson said the industry remained anxious that dairy would be a major loser in any trade deal between Australia and the EU.

“This agreement must have benefits for both sides, considering the ease of access European dairy manufacturers have to the Australian market,” Mr Richardson said.

Mr Mumford has raised concerns about the EU-imposed geographical indications to federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, but said farmers needed to make an en masse show of opposition.

The UDV president and other dairy group representatives started the EU roadshow last week in Warrnambool with subsequent sessions at Cobden, Tangambalanga and Kyabram.

“Simon Birmingham listened to what we had to say, but it’s only powerful if dairy farmers across the country let the government know that this is a big concern for our industry,” Mr Mumford said.

With four sessions already held, Mr Mumford has invited Gippsland farmers to attend the final two forums on October 21 — at Tinamba Community Hall at 11am and Leongatha RSL at 7.30pm.

The UDV encourages farmers to express their concern by writing to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or sending an email to: [e-mail].