The IFA has increased the stakes on a potential South American trade deal this week, accusing DG Trade of being reckless in their offer to the Mercosur trading bloc.

Last Friday, the EU Commission circulated to member states a proposal to offer a 78,000t beef quota.

According to the IFA, the move would flood the market with cheap beef not produced to the same standards as European product.

Irish Farmers Journal analysis shows the allocation of high-priced steak cuts contained in the proposal would require the slaughter of 2m animals.

IFA national chair Jer Bergin has called on the Irish Government to join forces with France and lead a storm of protest by member states on Mercosur at the EU Commission’s Trade and Policy Committee meeting in Brussels, scheduled to take place tomorrow (Friday).

According to Bergin, the EU already has an agricultural trade deficit with Mercosur of €18.5bn.