This is a subscriber-only article
ICSA will hold a national protest in Dublin on Wednesday against two proposed trade deals which will affect Irish farmers.
The cattle and sheep farmer’s association is against Mercosur and TTIP, saying the deals two would threaten the future of the Irish beef industry.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal ICSA president Patrick Kent said the aim of the protest is to highlight the issues surrounding the proposed trade deals.
“We want to raise awareness because we believe the politicians are not fully aware of the risks of TTIP, Mercosur and Brexit.”
Unacceptable proposal
Mr Kent described the proposed 78,000t of beef on the table in the Mercosur deal as a “weak negotiating position.”
“The proposed 78,000 tonnes of beef is totally undemocratic. For the whole beef industry, from a consumer and a producer perspective, is totally unacceptable.”
Patrick Kent said they are hoping to have representatives from every county.
“There will be executive members and of course everyone is welcome but we are aware it is a very busy time for farmers so it would be unfair to ask.”
The protest will take place on tomorrow outside the offices of the European Commission on Lower Mount Street at 11:30am.
SHARING OPTIONS: