Brussels, 14/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - In the prelude to the two new negotiating sessions (2-6 May; 4-8 July) for a free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), EU agricultural organisations are warning against the risk of the EU's increasing dependency on their South American partners for foodstuffs and animal feed. During a European Parliament hearing on 14 April, Copa-Cogeca explained that Mercosur has already experienced phenomenal growth in its agricultural exports and has a trade surplus that is five times as great as it was in 2000 in its trade with the EU. The EU is Mercosur's main market. According to these two agricultural bodies, 25% of the EU's foodstuffs and 60% of animal feed already come from Mercosur. They consider that an agreement with the South American bloc would lead to a considerable increase in imports into the EU of beef meat, pork and poultry, corn, garlic, sugar, ethanol and citrus fruits from these countries, which would have a devastating impact on the European agricultural sector and the economy and jobs in rural zones. The European beef meat sector would be the greatest loser. Copa-Cogeca also warns against the environmental risk of deforestation. The organisation believes that offering very competitive Mercosur countries additional access to the European market would be sending a “very negative message” to SMEs and ACP countries. (E.H./transl.fl)