Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal reported that the European Commission had proposed a 70,000t Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for beef as part of its trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries.

Some 11 countries, including Ireland, are understood to have opposed this volume, as beef is seen as a sensitive product in the trade talks.

IFA president Joe Healy has urged An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and the European Commission to ensure that the Irish beef sector is not exposed as a result of such a trade deal.

Exposed

Healy also questioned the integrity of beef from South America.

“It has been clearly demonstrated again in the Brazilian ‘weak flesh’ scandal that commitments from Brazil on standards have no credibility.

“We need to focus on the level of EU market access being offered. Now is the time for the Taoiseach to show real mettle and ensure that our beef sector is not sold out by the Commission,” he said.

Healy said, given the exposure the Irish agri sector has as a result of Brexit, the EU should be exercising greater restraint with regard to a trade deal with Mercosur.

“Given the uncertainty around Brexit, no offer whatsoever should be made at this time. The EU Commission should be showing more concern for EU farmers and rural Ireland. The future of the suckler herd is at stake and we intend to send a strong message to the Commission that this sellout is unacceptable.”

Minister Creed

Meanwhile, the Irish Farmers Journal understands that Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has written to the European Commissioner for Trade on the difficulties a Mercosur deal would raise for the Irish beef sector.

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