The European Commission is currently undertaking a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of potassium chloride originating in Belarus and Russia. This product is used as a fertiliser and is an essential nutrient for food production, but prices have doubled since the measures were last reviewed. The main three European producers all have global business interests and two are subsidiaries of the same non-EU parent company which has stated that it is one of the market’s lowest-cost potassium chloride producers.
In the light of the statements made by the Community industries’ parent companies, and with regard to the doubling of potassium fertiliser prices since the last review and the additional high input prices that agricultural businesses across Europe are faced with at the moment, will the Commission give greater regard to the wider Community interest for a competitive food production industry able to source fertiliser nutrients from the most efficient world producers? Has the Commission actively contacted the representative organisations of EU agricultural businesses to assess the impact of anti-dumping duties and higher fertiliser costs?

This is a report from Farmers Guardian:

FARMERS in the UK could boost their exports to South Korea after the EU ratified a trade deal, expected to double trade over the next 20 years.

The deal will eliminate 99 per cent of import tarriffs on imported goods and will see a boost in trade of manufactured goods and agricultural products, according to the European Parliament.

It will also see the removal of a 20 per cent import tarriff on whisky into South Korea, leading to hopes of a boost in whisky sales, & therefore increased demand for malting barley.

The parliament backed the agreement by 465 votes to 128, with 19 abstentions.

After the vote, Robert Sturdy, MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group’s trade spokesman in the parliament, said: “This is a monumental deal for the EU and for Korea. Not just for the deal itself, but also as it is the first – and definitely not the last – of its kind.

“The EU is sending a clear signal to the world that we are open for international trade, particularly with emerging economies. I hope that the message will go forward to other countries, like India, and build momentum towards other bilateral trade deals.

“We should not give up on a multilateral trade deal through the WTO; but in the meantime we should seek as much trade liberalisation as possible bilaterally.

“In this time of economic difficulty we should never lose sight of the fact that open trade leads to cheaper goods, more and better jobs, and greater competitiveness. More trade is the ultimate answer to our problems and this deal will play an important part in our recovery.”

The Suffolk Agricultural Association’s spring farming conference, which takes place at Trinity Park on Friday, February 18, is being held as farming prepares for changes to the Common Agricultural Policy in 2013.
Former agriculture minister, John Gummer, now Lord Deben, will chair proceedings, and Robert will join the team of speakers. Prof Ian Crute, chief scientist of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and chairman of the Sainsbury Laboratory Council at Norwich Research Park, and Duncan Sinclair, Waitrose’s agriculture manager for meat, poultry fish and dairy will also be speaking.
It starts at 1.30pm and ends with a buffet at 5.30pm. Tickets £35 for SAA members, £40 non members. Details www.suffolkshow.co.uk/springconference

Robert Sturdy welcomes young farmers to Brussels

Robert Sturdy was delighted to welcome a group of 20 young farmers to Brussels and explained his work as an MEP and member of the Agriculture Committee.

The visit was sponsored by Mr Sturdy who is is keen that farmers have a good understanding about the crucial role which the European Union has for their industry.

Richard Ashworth MEP joined the group to discuss future Common Agricultural Policy reform  and the NFU also met the group of  young farmers to explain the significance of its role in Brussels.

The trip, organised by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), was part of an EU-fact finding mission ian preparation for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform as well as an awareness of European politics.

Katherine Sealy, NFYFC Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chairman said: “We were really pleased to have the latest news on EU farming from the NFU office in Brussels and learn a bit more about the ins and outs of EU policy making.”

Mr Sturdy said: “I really enjoyed meeting this vibrant group of young farmers. It is important they have a good understanding of the regulations made in Brussels which impact on the way they work today.”

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