European Potato Processors’ Association

European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA)

Increasing Impact

Challenge

The members of the European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) were faced with several cases of trade restrictions from different countries around the world. Further, proposed tariffs in Brazil, Colombia and South Africa threatened the livelihood of farmers and processors across Europe, putting approximately 25,000 jobs directly at risk and 75,000 indirectly. The organization set out to combat these measures and protect members and industry stakeholders while preventing dangerous precedents for additional countries considering such tariffs. This began with a need to address Colombia’s anti-dumping duties which impacted 85% of the European Union’s exports of frozen french fries.

Solution

Kellen, on behalf of EUPPA, engaged in a coordinated advocacy strategy, involving legal and public affairs activities to defend the interests of the European potato industry. The advocacy strategy carried out over two years included meetings and communications with appropriate components of the European Commission including the Directorates for trade, agriculture and growth, along with members of the European Parliament, Permanent Representatives, embassies and the media in Europe. Additionally, the organization worked with EU member states directly, and in partnership with the European Commission, to contact Colombian authorities and address procedural deficiencies and escalated the issue to the World Trade Organization.

Results

The European Commission announced on October 14, 2019, began a WTO procedure against Colombia on the duties imposed on the frozen fries.
The EU Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström, described the duties as “completely unjustified” and “harming European companies.”
Positioned European producers as fair and competitive among global industry and free trade stakeholders
Prevented pursuit of additional tariffs and supported free trade standards by publicizing efforts