New MEPs Have Vital Role in Blocking Mercosur & Supporting Beef Sector – IFA

At the Teagasc BEEF2024 event in Grange, Co Meath, IFA President Francie Gorman highlighted the important role new MEP’s will play in blocking the Mercosur deal. He said that newly elected MEP’s must put up a united front on the red line issue of the Mercosur deal.  

“Beef farmers will expect our MEPs to be steadfast in their opposition to a trade deal that would have very damaging consequences for our sector. From the point next month when they formally take their seats, they will have to keep a close eye on negotiations. 

“The impact of a negative trade deal would be felt beyond the farmgate, with processing and upstream value hit by any decision to allow more imports,” he said. 

“The new European Parliament can act as a bulwark against the Commission plans, which appear to ignore the devastating impact of beef production in Brazil, while at the same time imposing greater regulations on beef farmers here. The next CAP, which is already taking shape, has to re-set its aims to better support beef production.” 

IFA Livestock Chair Declan Hanrahan also attended the BEEF2024 event emphasising the focus that will be put on the next Budget and CAP by beef and suckler farmers to provide them with additional support.  

“While there is no doubting the value of the beef sector to the Irish economy, incomes remain under pressure. Both beef and suckler farmers will be looking to the national Budget in October, and the next CAP, to underpin their incomes with strong supports.”