Australian farmers fear exports could be hurt by new EU land-clearing laws

But environmental groups say changes could put sustainable producers at front of queue'

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Australian farmers are scrambling to understand the ramifications of new European laws on land-clearing, which could harm exports of products such as beef or paper under stricter environmental controls.

But environmental groups and some in the federal government believe the new laws could help Australian producers with more sustainable farming techniques get to the front of the queue", as negotiations continue for a free trade agreement with the European Union.

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