The decision by the European Commission to exclude a tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef from the first offer made by the EU under in free trade negotiations with the Mercosur trading bloc, has been welcomed by the new Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.
The development, which was confirmed in advance to Member State officials, comes at the end of a period of strong and sustained lobbying by Ireland and a number of other Member States after earlier indications that a beef TRQ would be included in the offer to be made by European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström.
Minister Creed said he warmly welcomes the fact that a tariff rate quota for beef has not been included in yesterday’s offer.
“Ireland has always been to the forefront in highlighting concerns about the very severe impact that a trade deal with Mercosur would have on the European beef sector.
“We have intensified those efforts in recent months as the prospect of a renewal in the negotiations grew, and particularly following the suggested inclusion of a TRQ for beef.
“We have worked very closely with other Member States in both Agriculture and Trade formations, and I am pleased to see those efforts bearing fruit.”
‘Continued vigilance needed’
Although noting this positive development, the Minister referred to the need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing market difficulties being experienced by farmers across Europe.
Ireland had previously called for a period of further analysis to be undertaken in order to fully assess, among other things, the cumulative impact of beef quota concessions granted under other free trade agreements.
It had also said that the treatment of sensitive products should be handled in a consistent manner across all free trade negotiations, by leaving such issues to the final stages of negotiations.
Minister Creed said he hopes and expects that the required time will now be made available to allow the completion of the required impact assessment by the Commission, and that the findings will be fully taken into account when the negotiations move into their next phase.
“I will also work to ensure that our concerns in relation to the timing of any TRQ offer for beef are acknowledged, and that any TRQ ultimately considered is structured in a way that mitigates the potential impact on the EU beef sector,” he said.