Farmers reject EU agricultural policy, vote against joining

Icelandic farmers have overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's agricultural policy, signaling a strong desire to protect their domestic industry. In a decisive vote, 52 farmers opposed adopting the EU's agricultural framework, with only one supporting it.

This firm stance follows a comprehensive report commissioned by the Farmers' Association of Iceland. The study examined the potential consequences of EU membership, particularly concerning agricultural subsidies and trade. It concluded that no permanent exemption from the EU's common agricultural policy would be possible.

The report's findings were stark: removing tariffs and allowing free import of goods, coupled with a ban on direct payments to farmers, would lead to an influx of EU dairy and meat products. This scenario threatens the viability of Iceland's most robust agricultural sector, dairy farming, and its milk production.

Beyond dairy and meat, the report suggests that virtually all sectors of Icelandic agriculture, including horticulture and greenhouse production, would be sacrificed. Farmers expressed deep concern that joining the EU would effectively end their industry, prioritizing imports over local production and potentially costing the country billions in annual taxes paid to the EU.