The Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, has defended that the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur is highly beneficial for Catalonia, thanks to its high export potential in the agri-food sector.
“"We have a 105% agri-food trade surplus, which we want to maintain and expand. In an international context where countries around the world are isolating themselves, we must seek new commercial partners."
Ordeig stressed the need to find new commercial partners in a global scenario where other nations are adopting isolationist policies. However, he acknowledged that the pact causes concern among honey, rice, and parts of the meat sector producers.
This defense followed a meeting held in Reus with representatives of the farmers who are maintaining the blockade of access to the Port of Tarragona. The Minister requested "responsibility" from the protesters to avoid harming the supply chain.
The head of Agriculture recalled that the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) has no direct competence over the agreement, as it is a negotiation entirely driven and managed by the European Union.
