The future of Ireland’s beef sector and all of Irish farming has been put in serious danger following the hypocritical decision by the European Commission to reduce tariffs on thousands of tonnes of untraceable, environmentally devastating, beef through the Mercosur deal.

The future of the Irish beef sector has been threatened by numerous events and factors beyond farmers’ control. From low factory prices to droughts to Brexit, young beef farmers are struggling to see the reason to continue in the sector. We, in Macra, were horrified to discover that the European Commission, which has consistently repeated to Irish farmers the need for traceable, high-welfare and environmentally sustainable farming, could so blindly and hypocritically sign an agreement that threatens not only those farmers but the health of its citizens.

The part which is most difficult for farmers to understand is, after numerous statements by our national and EU politicians on the need for action on climate change, to then agree to reduce tariffs on imports from a country that has increased deforestation to its highest point in 10 years. This makes a mockery of both national and European talk of reducing greenhouse gases.

While regulations are constantly increasing on farmers to protect biodiversity and reduce emissions on EU farms, this deal will lead to mass burning of one the most important regions for both climate and species.

Organisations as diverse as the World Wildlife Fund and Amnesty International have stated their opposition to this deal, so the question is who does this deal really benefit, if not consumers, environment or farmers? The answer lies in German manufacturing. At a time when those car makers are promoting their green credentials to European customers they have pushed this deal for car exports alongside pharmaceutical manufacturers.

This “cars for beef” deal is hard for farmers and EU citizens to swallow.