Irish farming groups have condemned the European Commission’s push to ratify the Mercosur trade deal, calling it hypocritical and damaging to local agriculture. The IFA and ICMSA warn it undermines EU standards, while business group Chambers Ireland supports the deal, citing economic opportunity and new safeguards for Irish agriculture.
The European Commission’s recent proposal to advance the Mercosur trade agreement has sparked sharp criticism from Irish farming organisations. Both the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have voiced strong opposition to the move, citing concerns over environmental standards, competitiveness, and the impact on Irish agriculture.
The main farming groups that have criticised the EU Commission’s decision includes the IFA and ICMSA.
Francie Gorman, President of the IFA, accused the European Commission of adopting a hypocritical approach by imposing stringent standards on EU producers while allowing imports from Mercosur countries that do not meet the same requirements.
“It’s both hypocritical and contradictory to insist on the highest standards for European producers only to allow Mercosur countries access without reaching the same standards,” said Mr Gorman.
The IFA has called on the Irish Government to follow through on its previously stated opposition to the Mercosur deal.
“Beef and poultry producers should not have to pay the price of allowing other sectors gain access to the South American market,” Gorman added. “We cannot countenance a deal that refuses to recognise the gap in standards between the EU and Brazil.”
Denis Drennan, President of the ICMSA, went further, labelling the Commission’s move a “calculated betrayal” of EU farmers.
“How can anybody imagine that we can have Irish and other EU farmers practically drowning in a relentless tide of EU micro-regulations on the environment and sustainability, while the very same EU concludes a trade agreement that will see massive imports of beef and other foodstuffs produced in an environmental free-for-all and without a semblance of sustainability?” said Mr Drennan.
He called on the Irish Government to join forces with other EU member states that oppose the deal and to form a “blocking element” to any ratification.
The political and business responses to the EU Commission’s decision, meanwhile, has been more neutral.
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen expressed a more nuanced view, stating that while he is prepared to oppose the Mercosur deal if it undermines Irish farmers, he encouraged stakeholders to examine the latest safeguards proposed by the Commission.
“I won’t hesitate to oppose a deal that undermines Irish farmers, but I don’t believe it serves them to reject it out of hand,” said Cowen.
He emphasized the need for solid assurances around the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Nitrates Derogation Scheme, suggesting these could be critical in determining support for the agreement.
In contrast to farming groups, Chambers Ireland, which represents Irish businesses, welcomed the Commission’s announcement and called for the swift ratification of both the Mercosur and Mexico trade agreements.
Chief Executive Ian Talbot argued that Ireland must develop new markets amid increasing global trade volatility.
“The Mercosur agreement has been on the table for far too long and it’s time to get things moving,” said Talbot.
He noted that the updated Commission proposal includes new safeguards for agriculture, potentially addressing some of the concerns previously raised.
“These deals also present significant opportunities for sectors like the drinks sector and will further liberalise the services sector,” he added.
The European Commission’s push to ratify the Mercosur trade deal has deepened divisions among stakeholders in Ireland. While farming groups warn of serious consequences for beef, poultry, and dairy producers, business leaders see economic potential in greater access to South American markets.
As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on the Irish Government to either stand firm in opposition or re-evaluate its stance in light of new proposals and potential economic benefits. The future of the Mercosur agreement will likely depend on whether a workable compromise can be found between trade growth and protection of Irish agricultural standards.
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