EU-Mercosur Agreement: A New Era for Italian Gastronomy
The European Union and Mercosur, a South American market comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, have reached a significant milestone with the approval of a trade agreement. This agreement, set to be signed on January 17th in Paraguay, will protect 57 Italian Geographical Indications, true symbols of Made in Italy. These protected products include renowned items such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania, and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, as well as esteemed wines like Barolo, Chianti Classico, and Franciacorta.
The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, has expressed his support for the agreement, emphasizing its significance for Italian agriculture and farmers.
The Protected Italian Excellences
The agreement ensures that these 57 Italian food and wine products cannot be imitated in the Mercosur countries, introducing safeguard clauses to protect Italian producers from potential market imbalances. For those who appreciate Italian gastronomy, this agreement guarantees authenticity and quality standards, even thousands of kilometers from Italy.
Food and Wine Products
Among the protected products are:
- Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena
- Aprutino Pescarese
- Asiago
- Bresaola from Valtellina
- Tuscan Cantuccini / Tuscan Cantucci
- Culatello di Zibello
- Fontina
- Gorgonzola
- Grana Padano
- Mela Alto Adige; South Tyrolean apple
- Mortadella Bologna
- Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania
- Piacenza bacon
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Gragnano pasta
- Pecorino Romano
- S. Marzano tomato from the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino
- Parma ham
- San Daniele ham
- Tuscan ham
- Provolone Valpadana
- Italian Cacciatore salami
- Taleggio
- Toscano
- Zampone Modena
Wines
The list of protected wines includes:
- Asti
- Barbaresco
- Barbera d’Alba
- Barbera d’Asti
- Bardolino / Bardolino Superiore
- Barolo
- Brachetto d’Acqui / Acqui
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Campania
- Chianti
- Chianti Classico
- Conegliano – Prosecco
- Valdobbiadene – Prosecco
- Dolcetto d’Alba
- Emilia / of Emilia
- Fiano di Avellino
- Franciacorta
- Greco di Tufo
- Lambrusco di Sorbara
- Lambrusco Grasparossa from Castelvetro
- Trevigiana brand
- Marsala
- Montepulciano d’Abruzo
- Prosecco
- Sicily
- Sweet
- Tuscany / Tuscan
- Valpolicella
- Veneto
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Grappa
Reciprocity, Safeguard Clauses, and European Standards
The agreement introduces clauses aimed at guaranteeing balance and protection for European agricultural supply chains. It provides for accelerated control procedures on incoming products, constant monitoring of markets, and a fund of 6.3 billion euros to mitigate possible disruptions. The principle of reciprocity requires that imported products respect the same production, environmental, and health standards as European companies, avoiding unfair competition and ensuring food quality.
Green light for the agreement between the EU and Mercosur
Commercial Opportunities and Gastronomic Tourism
The agreement represents a significant opportunity for Italian exports, with the aim of achieving exports of approximately 700 billion euros. It reduces or eliminates duties on over 90% of European products and services, favoring strategic sectors such as automotive, industrial machinery, chemical, and pharmaceutical products.
Protests and Mobilizations
Farmers’ protests have followed the political decision, with demonstrations in Milan and Spain. The protests highlight concerns about fair prices, rigorous controls, and the survival of the agricultural sector.
The Agreement as a Global Showcase for Made in Italy
The EU-Mercosur agreement is not only an economic challenge but also an opportunity to promote Italian gastronomic experiences worldwide, valorizing typical products and protected Geographical Indications. The safeguard measures and funds provided can strengthen the agri-food chain, guaranteeing tourists and consumers the quality and authenticity of Italian products even in foreign markets.
For more information, visit Here