Australian farmers lodge objections to Europe’s food name claims

More than 400 objections have been lodged against Europe’s claim for exclusive use of key food names.

AUSTRALIA’s primary producers have lodged more than 400 objections against Europe’s claim for exclusive use of key food names, as government officials prepare for the next round of free trade negotiations with the European Union.

The dairy, wine, processed meat, and beer and spirits sectors are among those to officially declare their opposition to the EU’s bid to restrict the use of certain food names including feta and parmesan.

The submissions, made to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of its public objections process, will be used to inform Australia-EU trade negotiations when they resume next year.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham this week reaffirmed the Australian Government had made “no promises” to the EU on the protection of any names.

“Whilst we understand the importance the EU places on geographical indications, our priority is to ensure our farmers and businesses have better opportunities to sell their products to the EU’s 500 million consumers,” Mr Birmingham said.

“Australians can be confident that we will drive a very hard bargain, to achieve an overall agreement that delivers more opportunity for Australian exporters.”

The EU wants to protect 172 foodstuff names and 236 spirit names as geographic indications — names or branding used to show a product comes from or has links with a specific area.

Dairy is one of the most widely affected industries, with regionally specific names including gruyere, taleggio and gorgonzola also on the list.

The EU has not sought protection for generic terms such as camembert, brie or mozzarella.

Australian Dairy Farmers chief executive David Inall said the industry remained concerned about the geographical indications’ impact.

“If the Government accepts these demands by the EU, 15 cheese varieties with an annual sales value of $500 million could be wiped out, including the livelihoods of hardworking Australian cheese manufacturers,” Mr Inall said.

Europe has been clear from the outset that geographical indications will make or break any trade deal with Australia.

The EU’s incoming trade commissioner Phil Hogan has previously said the deal would likely come down to five or six of the most contentious terms, and that grandfathering protections might be allowed.