THE finalisation of the Mercosur trade deal between the EU and four South American countries has the potential to ‘decimate’ both the Irish and European beef and poultry sectors, the IFA has warned this week.

Four South American countries – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay – are involved in the negotiations of the deal with the EU which would allow them access to European beef and poultry markets.

Although the EU-Mercosur deal was signed as far back as 2019, it hasn’t yet been implemented, but a red alert has been set off in Irish political and agricultural circles following a statement issued by EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, last week.

She travelled to South America last week before announcing  that ‘the finish line was in sight’ for the finalisation of the deal which would allow a 99,000 tonnes quota of beef each year into the EU from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

National IFA President, Francis Gorman, said this week that the deal which had the potential to decimate the Irish and European beef and poultry sectors would mean ‘the sacrificing of EU farmers’ to get a deal over the line.

The IFA President, who is also the Vice-President of COPA, the European farmer representative body, said that COPA were asking all member farm organisations to drive home their opposition to the deal in each member state over the next few days.

“This deal is the height of hypocrisy. There will be no level playing field for EU farmers. Our markets will be undermined by cheap imports produced to lower standards.

“If this deal is concluded by the Commission, it will need to be approved by the EU Council of member states where there is still significant opposition to any deal being concluded,” he said.

He also said that the European Commission were trying to ‘take advantage’ of the current political uncertainty in France to get the deal through – the under-pressure French President, Emmanuel Macron is a strong opponent of the Mercosur trade deal. The IFA has outlined its four core reasons for opposing the deal, as follows.

■  It will pose a massive threat to Irish beef and poultry farmers – it includes an 180,000 tonnes quota of tariff free poultry from South America.

■ In terms of environmental law as well as production and regulation standards, sufficient safeguards have not been put in place.

■ An absence of a tracing system for suppliers of beef cattle in Brazil to the European market: SA cattle won’t be fully traceable until 2032.

■ A  lack of transparency with cattle transfer permits in Brazil: that country’s environmental agency imposed fines of €59m: cattle coming from illegally deforested land.

“Both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste told the IFA National Council during the General Election campaign that they were opposed to the Mercosur deal. They must carry this commitment forward and relay it at the highest level in Brussels,” said Francis Gorman.

Pictured: National IFA President, Francis Gorman