A big trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and South America's Mercosur bloc is now finished. EU leaders called it a historic step for global business. However, banana farmers in Cyprus are worried. The deal will create a large free trade area. This is good for many businesses. But local farmers fear cheap imports will hurt them.
This new EU-Mercosur deal will be the world's largest free trade zone. It connects over 700 million people. The goal is to remove taxes on most of their trade. This means some farming businesses must change. Farmers in Europe, like those in Cyprus, are worried. They fear they will be at a disadvantage compared to countries like Argentina and Brazil. Nikolas Theodosiou, a local official, said measures are needed to protect farmers. He explained that production costs are very different. This puts smaller European farms at a disadvantage.
The European Council approved the deal last Friday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will make it official soon. President Nikos Christodoulides said it is a "historic milestone." However, the impact on some farming areas is still debated. The deal has safety clauses. These allow the EU to stop tariff-free imports if European farmers face too much pressure. These clauses are very important for farmers in places like Paphos.
Halloumi cheese will not be a protected product in Mercosur. This is because it was not on the first list. This is a problem for Cypriot halloumi. However, other Cypriot products are protected. These include wines from Limassol and Paphos. Commandaria wine, ouzo, zivania, and "Yeroşibu lokumu" are also protected.
The Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture sent a message about the deal. It said protected products will be safe. But banana growers in Paphos are still concerned. They worry about more competition and lower prices. Their farms depend on their local area. Now they face the risks of international trade. The EU is making this big trade area. Farmers in Paphos want to know what protections they will get.