The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) is “deeply troubled” by the “renewed momentum” of the Mercosur trade deal, according to the association’s president Sean McNamara.
McNamara and the ICSA beef chair, John Cleary are currently in Brussels, to monitor developments and engage with MEPs to “voice the concerns of Irish farmers”.
“This agreement poses a direct threat to Irish agriculture, particularly the beef sector, by potentially flooding the European market with lower-standard imports from Mercosur countries. It must be stopped,” McNamara said.
McNamara said he “remains deeply concerned” about the possibility of the trade aspects of the deal being decoupled from other elements, “which could allow them to be implemented without requiring ratification by national parliaments”.
“Splitting the deal would undermine the democratic process and silence the voices of farmers and rural communities, not just in Ireland but across the EU. We urge the European Commission to respect the sovereignty of member states in this matter,” he said.
The ICSA’s visit to Brussels follows its recent protest outside Leinster House, where other farm organisations joined to raise concerns to political parties.
McNamara said that following the general election, political leaders now need to “prioritise the formation of a stable government”.
“Ireland needs a unified and proactive government that can engage effectively with Brussels to safeguard the interests of our farming communities.
“A cohesive Irish response is crucial to defeating the Mercosur deal and protecting Irish farmers from being ruthlessly sacrificed for the benefit of other sectors,” McNamara said.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has also called on the Irish government to veto the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, with concerns over its impact on Irish agriculture, environmental standards, and rural communities.
“Farmers in France, Poland, and other EU countries have staged large-scale protests against this deal.
“They are rightly concerned about the lower standards and traceability of Brazilian beef, including the use of hormones and the ongoing deforestation of the Amazon,” Deputy McGrath said.
“At a time when Irish beef farmers are already struggling with low market returns, the Mercosur deal threatens to further depress prices and make it even harder for them to sustain their operations,” Deputy McGrath added.
He said that the formation of the new government must “take a strong stand” to ensure that Ireland’s voice is heard “loud and clear” in Brussels.