South American farmers welcome Mercosur-EU trade deal but raise concerns over details

South American farmers welcomed a new free trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and the European Union, reached after 25 years of negotiations. However, they expressed concerns about the details and conditions of the deal. The agreement, signed in Montevideo, still needs to be ratified, a process that could take years. Some EU countries, particularly France, oppose the deal due to fears of increased imports of South American agricultural products. While farmers are eager for better access to the European market, they worry that environmental regulations may restrict trade. Tariff reductions for certain products will not take effect for seven to ten years, limiting immediate benefits.