From the outset, concerns around the Mercosur proposal have been well understood across rural Ireland. Farmers, agri food workers, and rural communities have consistently highlighted issues relating to standards, fairness, and the long term sustainability of the sector. Those concerns have been central to the Government’s approach.
While the EU has agreed to a number of additional measures, these do not go far enough to address the concerns of Irish farmers or to meet the standards expected by the public. As the Tánaiste has confirmed, Ireland will therefore vote against the agreement in its current form.
Irish Farmers and their families work extremely hard to uphold exceptionally high standards across all food produce, which we are known for worldwide, and this trade deal would bring in more beef from the Mercosur countries that is not subject to the same rigorous and stringent measures that farmers in Ireland are.
Director of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Dean Kenny, said: “In a recent survey our committee conducted of over 100 young people that live in rural areas, the biggest barrier to having a career in farming, selected by respondents, was insufficient income. This trade deal, while beneficial to many other sectors across society, including car manufacturing, pharma, and the drinks industry, would almost certainly have a negative impact on the beef market in Ireland, driving down the price and subsequently driving even more young people out of an already uncertain future in farming.”
The Young Fine Gael Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee supports a trade policy that is fair, enforceable, and aligned with the high standards of Irish agriculture. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect rural communities, uphold environmental and production standards, and ensure that Irish farmers are treated fairly in all international agreements.