Giménez questions EU residue limits, warns of trade barriers

Paraguay's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Giménez, has voiced strong criticism against the European Union's proposed modifications to maximum residue limits (MRLs) for plant protection products. Giménez argues that these new limits, if implemented, could function as significant trade barriers, particularly for countries like Paraguay that operate with distinct productive systems and agroclimatic conditions compared to Europe.

Speaking on the program Mesa con EVP, Giménez stated that Paraguay's position is firm and clear, emphasizing that the proposal deviates from established international norms on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. He stressed that Paraguay cannot simply be expected to demonstrate compliance with the EU's new requirements. Instead, the country demands that any modification be grounded in sufficient scientific evidence. "There must be a clear scientific basis for it," Giménez remarked.

The minister suggested that these measures might conceal a commercial agenda, given the competitive landscape between Mercosur producers and their European counterparts. "They say we are unfair competition," Giménez noted, underscoring the need for Paraguay to defend its interests within the framework of international trade rules. To bolster its case, Paraguay, alongside other Mercosur nations, plans to engage the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

The IICA will contract a specialist to analyze the technical aspects of the proposed residue limits and their implications for international trade. This analysis aims to provide concrete technical evidence regarding the potential effects of the EU's new parameters. Giménez reiterated that any concerns about specific residues must be supported by scientific studies, stating, "Science cannot be debated."