IFA President Francie Gorman said the outcome of today’s meeting of EU Ambassadors for the latest part of approving the Mercosur deal is 'very disappointing'.

The deal will see 99,000 tonnes of South American beef coming into the EU and many millions of euros worth of other goods and services going in the other direction. 

"This was a very narrow margin with countries representing a sizeable proportion of the EU population – 31.3% - not supporting the deal, which is something the EU Commission has to be concerned about," Mr Gorman said in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"This deal requires approval by the EU Parliament, and we will renew our focus with our colleagues in COPA to secure a majority against the deal in the Parliament. 

“This morning’s outcome shows that the Irish Government was not alone in expressing deep reservations about the deal and what it means for farmers and public health. The Commission cannot ignore the scale of the opposition to the deal,” he said.

Mr Gorman acknowledged the stance taken by the Irish Government.

“Clearly, the late push by the Commission on so-called safeguards and unrelated elements of agri policy did not work. The investigation carried out by IFA and the Irish Farmers Journal late last year shows that Brazil does not have control systems that are fit for purpose.”

The next stage is the vote in the European Parliament in the coming weeks.

“Our campaign will now focus on MEPs. We expect Irish MEPs to stand behind the farming community and reject the Mercosur deal.”

“Our MEPs now have a crucial role to play in building alliances within their groupings and amongst colleagues from other countries to build opposition to the deal. IFA will work with our colleagues in COPA between now and the Parliament vote,” he concluded.

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