Double Standards on our Plates

Food trade shapes what we eat, how it’s produced, and who profits—but not all food follows the same rules. While European farmers must meet strict environmental, health, and animal welfare standards, imported food often does not. This double standard fuels unfair competition, weakens sustainability efforts, and puts both farmers and consumers at risk.

Our new report, Double Standards on Our Plates, exposes critical gaps in EU trade policy. With research from nine civil society organizations across six EU countries, it reveals how imported agricultural products—from GMO soy to antibiotic-treated meat—fail to meet the same standards as EU-produced food. These disparities harm farmers on both sides of the trade equation while delaying the transition to sustainable food systems.

If the EU is serious about food security and sustainability, it must align trade policy with its climate and social goals. That means adopting mirror measures—ensuring imported food meets the same environmental and social standards as EU production.

The report explores:

✔️ How unregulated imports create unfair competition and harm farmers
✔️ The impact of double standards on ecosystems and public health
✔️ Why mirror measures are essential for fair and sustainable food trade
✔️ How the EU can reform trade policy to support farmers and food sovereignty