20 EU agri-ministers express concern over Mercosur negotiations

Speaking at the press conference following the meeting, which took place on Monday 11 April, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan said around 20 EU agriculture ministers expressed concern over the ongoing trade negotiations with the Mercosur countries of South America.

Hogan said he shared these concerns, especially in relation to the timing of the negotiations, which come at a very sensitive time for beef, dairy and pork sectors.

Only last Friday reports were circulating in Brussels suggesting that the European Commission had sent out proposals among member states to grant Mercosur countries access to EU markets for 78,000t of beef.

Although he was not present at today's meeting, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney wrote to EU trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström last week, highlighting Ireland’s unique exposure to adverse market developments arising from increased access for Mercosur beef to the EU market, given that more than 90% of Irish beef production is exported to the EU.

The minister said Ireland has been "very active in voicing its concerns regarding an EU trade deal with the Mercosur block of countries, which, according to the Commission’s own analysis, could have a severe impact on the European agriculture sector and on the European beef sector in particular".

Concerns

Referring to today's meeting, Hogan said he is now in a position to take back the concerns of EU ministers to Commissioner Malmström. These concerns not only relate to the timing of the negotiations but also to the introduction of TRQs (tariff rate quotas) that would see the Mercosur countries cherry pick the best parts of the EU market, which include the high-priced steak market.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) issued a statement following the meeting, saying Ireland must now "build on the rapidly growing opposition" to the proposed Mercosur trade deal.

“The Commissioner cannot ignore the concerns of 20 members of the Farm Council and attempt to proceed with these negotiations,” said IFA national chair Jer Bergin.

The chair added that previous analysis by the European Commission has shown that a Mercosur deal would inflict losses of €7.8bn on the EU agriculture sector.

"The individual losses at farm level would be much higher, particularly for beef farmers. This would have a major knock-on effect on rural economies, resulting in job losses," he continued.

Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson Éamon Ó Cuív has also commented on the negotiations, saying that the discussions are a "very worrying development for Irish beef farmers".

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy the trade deal would have a "detrimental impact on the beef trade in Ireland and must be rejected by the Irish government".

Mercosur negotiations

Negotiations for a trade deal between the EU and Mercosur originally began in 2004 but have stalled at various times since. Negotiations have only begun with renewed energy over the last few weeks.

Read more

Watch: How would IFA candidates defend Ireland in Europe?

Voluntary supply reduction scheme comes into effect

Who or what is Mercosur?

Mercosur to get major access to EU beef market

A bad Mercosur deal would reduce cattle prices significantly

Farm organisations express alarm at tariff proposals in Mercosur talks