The Mercosur Deal has the potential to decimate the beef sector and have a devastating impact on rural Ireland

The Mercosur trade deal completed on Friday is the result of 20 years of negotiations between the southern American countries of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uraguay and the EU.

This deal paves the way for the import of 99,000 tones of cheaper beef which could cost Irish beef farmers €750m per year.

Cllr. Maguire insists that this deal must not be completed prior to the conclusion of Brexit. If the UK exit and WTO rules apply the EU will be at 116% self sufficient for beef if the UK isn’t part of the market. Given that Ireland supply 300,000 tones of beef to the UK the sector is going to be in a very precarious situation if this deal also proceeds.

Cllr. Maguire states that ‘the deal also calls into question EU values’ and states ‘it seems hypocritical to agree a trade deal with Mercosur countries that have no regard for EU standards on labour laws/ environmental controls/ traceability/ food safety and animal health which we now take for granted’.

Allowing a sharp increase in Brazilian beef at a very preferential rate will severely impact the EU beef sector. It appears that the beef sector is being sacrificed while others like the diary, industrial and service sectors will benefit.

11 countries have indicated they oppose the beef aspect of the deal and Maguire states that ‘it is imperative that Minister Creed engages with these countries to form alliances on this issue’.

Ends