Parmesan, Prosecco Under Fire in EU-Australia Trade Talks

Australia is seeking substantially improved access to the European Union market for various agricultural products, including meat, sugar, rice, and dairy. This pursuit is met with apprehension from European farmers who are prepared to protest any significant concessions made by the EU. The situation is further complicated by the European Parliament's decision to refer the EU's trade deal with the Mercosur bloc for judicial review, adding a layer of uncertainty.

A key point of contention revolves around geographical indications (GIs). While Australia largely resolved the issue of protected European products within its market in 2023, the EU's own protection of GIs remains a sensitive topic. Australian producers, particularly those of Italian heritage making products like parmesan cheese, may face restrictions on naming conventions. A potential resolution involves allowing established brands a grace period to continue using existing product names.

Products such as prosecco, pecorino, parmesan, and feta are still under active discussion. The EU typically reciprocates by offering protection for some of the partner country's products in its market. The exact timeframe for these negotiations is ongoing as of February 2026.