While countries like Spain and Germany, which have major trade interests in South America, are pushing for the Mercosur trade pact to be concluded as soon as possible, the Austrian government is pushing to say no. She also receives strong support from the Agriculture Chamber and the environmental organization Greenpeace. The latter now warns against the import of dangerous substances under the agreement.
From the USMercosuragreement would increase both the amount of pesticides used and the amount of pesticide-contaminated products sold in the EU. The agreement must therefore be terminated, Greenpeace demanded on Thursday. “Trade agreements that increase the production, trade and use of chemical pesticides should be a thing of the past,” the environmentalists said.
According to Greenpeace, Brazilian limes sold in supermarkets in eight EU countries have been tested for pesticide contamination. These limes have been tested in an accredited and certified laboratory. The lab found residues of numerous pesticides manufactured in Europe and exported to Brazil.
Pesticides produced in the EU, used in Brazil
“These results are further evidence that toxic substances, some of which are banned in the EU, are exported to Brazil and find their way back to Europe in the form of residues on food,” said Greenpeace. And this is already happening without the trade agreement. In addition to the no for Mercosur, a comprehensive export ban on pesticides is also demanded.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
