Australia and the European Union are back at the negotiating table, with trade talks set to resume after a long pause. For those of us in agriculture, this is a moment of both opportunity and caution.
CANEGROWERS has always supported the idea of a trade deal with the EU – but only if it delivers genuine outcomes for Australian farmers.
We’re not interested in symbolic agreements or political wins. We want practical, on-the-ground benefits that improve market access and ensure our produce is treated fairly.
When negotiations stalled in October 2023, CANEGROWERS was in Japan alongside other peak agriculture bodies.
We gave Trade Minister Don Farrell a clear message: don’t sign a deal that locks us into second-rate access for the next 50 years. A bad deal is worse than no deal at all.
To his credit, the Minister listened, and talks were paused.
Now, with global trade dynamics shifting and Europe under pressure to diversify, the door has reopened.
That brings opportunity – but also risk. The drive to sign a deal must not come at the cost of real agricultural outcomes.
For the sugar industry, that means meaningful, commercially viable access to European markets.
Right now, Australian sugar is effectively locked out by outdated quotas and high tariffs – even though we produce a high-quality, sustainably grown product, backed by our Smartcane BMP program and strong environmental credentials.
We’re not asking for special treatment – we’re asking for a fair go.
The EU has its own sugar industry, but it regularly falls short of meeting domestic demand and is a net importer year after year.
Still, European farmers continue to benefit from subsidies and are protected by trade barriers that shut out fair competition.
All we want is a level playing field.
This renewed round of talks is a fresh chance to secure better outcomes – not just for sugar, but for all of Australian agriculture. And we’ll be advocating strongly to make sure that happens.
Because our position remains the same – a good deal is one that works for farmers. If that’s not on the table, then it’s better to walk away.
