**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – A wave of discontent is set to surge through Cyprus as farmers prepare to launch a new series of protests against the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The impending demonstrations, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, underscore deep-seated anxieties regarding the potential ramifications of the deal on food safety standards and the viability of indigenous agricultural products.
MEP George Georgiou, a vocal critic of the agreement, confirmed the planned protests on Friday, articulating that the accord presents a significant threat to the established food safety protocols within the European Union and could jeopardise the very existence of traditional Cypriot produce. His sentiments echo those of the agricultural community, who perceive the deal as a direct challenge to their livelihoods and the quality of food available to consumers.
The agricultural sector's opposition is spearheaded by farmers' union president Michalis Lytras, who announced the forthcoming demonstrations. Lytras has unequivocally labelled the agreement as "a tombstone for the agricultural sector," a stark pronouncement highlighting the perceived existential threat it poses. The protests are expected to commence at Eleftheria Square before proceeding towards the Presidential Palace, signalling the gravity of their concerns and their intent to engage directly with governmental authorities. A prior press conference is scheduled to be held at Europe House, where further details of the farmers' grievances and proposed actions will be unveiled.
The crux of the farmers' objection lies in their conviction that the EU-Mercosur agreement will precipitate an uneven playing field, exposing Cypriot producers to relentless competition from mass-produced imports that are manufactured at considerably lower costs. This influx, they contend, will not only undermine local agriculture but also pose a tangible risk to public health by potentially eroding the stringent quality controls currently in place. The fear is that the deal could lead to a dilution of food quality and a failure to adequately safeguard emblematic Cypriot products, such as the globally recognised halloumi cheese.
In an effort to mitigate these perceived dangers, amendments to the trade agreement are slated to be submitted next week in Strasbourg. While the European Left and Akel, political entities supporting the farmers' cause, are not inherently opposed to European integration, their stance is predicated on advocating for a Union that prioritises the well-being of its citizens. MEP Georgiou articulated this perspective, stating that their focus is on fostering a Europe that champions health security and environmental sustainability. He emphasised that the negatives associated with the Mercosur deal are so pervasive that acceptance is deemed untenable.
Despite the submission of amendments, expectations for their success are reportedly modest. The farmers' movement, however, is resolute in its determination to voice its opposition unequivocally. Their mobilisation represents a critical juncture in the ongoing debate surrounding international trade agreements and their intricate interplay with domestic agricultural policies, food security, and the preservation of cultural heritage embedded within traditional food production. The coming days will reveal the extent to which their concerted efforts can influence the trajectory of this significant trade pact.