No! Refusing to buy food from a particular country will not stop a trade deal from being signed. Boycotts can also risk having unintended, negative knock-on effects on farmers, especially in poorer countries. It is also often impossible to discern where food has come from, especially if it is contained within a mixed product such as a ready-meal or salad, or if it is served in places such as restaurants and canteens where the origin country is usually not given.
Instead of boycotting particular imports, we need to pressure governments to sign trade deals that support healthy and sustainable forms of agriculture and don’t drive an increase in pesticide use or harms. Locking in high pesticide standards can drive positive changes in importing countries by protecting consumer health. In exporting countries, strong pesticide standards prevent farmers and the natural environment from being exposed to the most hazardous chemicals.