European Agriculture Faces the Threat of Tariffs

Bologna, Italy - The outcome of the US elections could significantly affect the Italian and European economies. Tariffs and new environmental policies could harm the agri-food sector, which currently exports €200 billion annually from Europe.

Mr. Paolo De Castro, President of Filiera Italia, said, “Open the conference on European policies at hte EIMA International exhibition of agricultural machinery taking place at the Bologna Trade Fair. Europe has embarked on the path of the Green Deal, and the question we must ask ourselves is whether it will be possible to reconcile it with the objectives of the Trump administration".

Environmental policies are a key issue, with US farmers rejecting $200 billion for ecological transition to maintain production standards. Italian farmers support the Green Deal but demand reciprocity to prevent unfair competition. EU agricultural policies have been successful, and drastic changes could harm the sector, which has already struggled with climate impacts.

Carlo Fidanza discussed tariffs, noting the selective approach of Trump's first presidency and Italy's potential to protect its agri-food interests. Dario Nardella warned against Italy seeking US preferential treatment, emphasizing the need for EU unity in trade policies. In this competitive environment, technology is increasingly vital.

Alessandro Malavolti, CEMA Vice President, highlighted the growing quality of Italian and European agromechanical technologies, supported by advanced digital systems, and the hope to access international markets. Stefano Bonaccini warned against bilateral agreements with the US that could undermine Europe's unity. The EIMA event also featured MEPs, including Stefano Cavedagna, Pierfrancesco Maran, Salvatore De Meo, Elisabetta Gualmini, and Mariateresa Vivaldini, who visited the exhibition and viewed finalist tractor models from the Tractor of the Year contest.

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