Mercosur Deal Gets Boost After Lawmakers Back Farmer Protections

The European Parliament approved measures to protect European farmers under a potential trade deal with South American countries, a key technical step needed to finalize the landmark pact.

Lawmakers greenlit the so-called safeguards during a vote on Tuesday. The measures will shield local agrifood companies from sudden swings in imports or prices — a step meant to address concerns that France, Italy and others raised about the trade agreement, the EU’s largest ever.

EU lawmakers and member states are rushing to finalize the deal with the Mercosur bloc — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay — before a potential signing ceremony ...