Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has said he cannot support the ratification of the Mercosur trade deal, warning that it poses a direct threat to Irish beef farmers and undermines EU standards on food safety and animal welfare.
Mr Cooney pointed to recent reporting by the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Farmers’ Association which highlighted the use of steroids and antibiotics in beef production in Mercosur countries. He said such practices would never be tolerated in Europe and accused Brussels of applying “clear double standards” in its approach.
Deputy Cooney’s comments also follow Thursday’s Europe-wide farmer protest outside the European Parliament in Brussels, which was attended by Irish farming representatives including Clare IFA Chair Stephen Walsh from Feakle.
“Nobody can dispute the need to consider animal welfare, environmental considerations and public health, especially for products that will enter the food chain,” Mr Cooney said. “However, they all incur significant costs which must be borne by farmers in the EU, and to give what amounts to a free pass to the Mercosur countries on these same factors is not at all appropriate.”
He noted that a vote took place in Brussels on Tuesday night on additional safeguards to be included in the proposals. However, he said these measures did not go far enough to protect farm incomes.
While generally supportive of trade deals that diversify the Irish economy, Mr Cooney said agriculture should not form any part of the Mercosur agreement.
“In short, I do not support the ratification of this trade deal,” he said. “I would urge the Government to hold firm on its Programme for Government commitment to not supporting any deal that undermines the future viability of our beef and poultry sectors.”
Mr Cooney’s comments come amid growing unease within the farming sector about the impact of Mercosur imports on Irish beef prices, with farm organisations warning that the deal risks undermining confidence in the industry.