Irish farmers are stepping up their campaign deal against the EU Mercosur trade deal, which they say will flood the Irish market with beef of ‘questionable standards’.

The deal, which would see import tariffs cut on goods coming from four South American countries, was signed in 2019 – but has yet to be implemented.

It has also been opposed by environmentalists who believe the deal would lead to an increase in carbon emissions from the shipping of products.

Protesting farmers in Athy, County Kildare show solidarity with EU-wide protests. Picture date: Thursday February 1, 2024. PA Images / Alamy

Irish Farmer’s Association president Francie Gorman is in Brussels this weekend to meet farm leaders from across Europe, as his organisation steps up its campaign against the move.

He said they will do what is required to block the EU deal with South America.

“This deal requires a simple majority by Parliament – 50% plus one,” he said.

“We need at least four countries with 35% of the European population to block this deal.

“At the moment, we could say that block of minority is almost there.”

Government action

All major Irish political parties have been clear they are against the Mercosur deal.

However, on Newstalk Breakfast earlier this week, Independent TD Mattie McGrath said more government action was needed.

“Why don’t they put their money where their mouth is?” he said.

“We had a lot of talk during the election manifestos, but now it is crisis time for that particular deal.”

Mr Gorman said this deal ‘flies in the face’ of the standards that Irish and European farmers have been required by the EU to maintain.

Main image: Protesters outside Leinster House as farmers protest the proposed Mercosur trade deal | Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie