The Brussels-based trade publication Agra Facts is reporting that the Commission is considering the removal of Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) for sensitive agricultural products from its draft market access offer to the Mercosur countries. Both sides have agreed to exchange offers on 11 May, and member states and Trade Policy Committees (TPCs) have been studying and debating the draft EU proposals circulated to members two weeks ago.

The idea of a 78,000t beef quota has caused outrage in farm organisations throughout Europe and in the beef processing industry as this is the most vulnerable of all sectors. In the two weeks since the offer was circulated, opposition has been growing, with 13 member states now requesting an amendment to remove agriculture from the initial offer at Thursday’s TPC. After a heated meeting, the DG Agri Jerzy Plewa and DG Trade Jean-Luc Demarty conceded that their respective Commissioners would reflect on the wisdom of tabling sensitive farm products this early in negotiations.

Annoyance

The timing has caused particular annoyance in countries with a significant farming interest, given the weakness of so many sectors at present. Trade and Agriculture Commissioners Malmstrom and Hogan are believed to have considered the issues from the TPC and it is expected that the EU offer will be finalised at next Wednesday’s meeting of Commissioners.

Irish Farmer’s Journal editor, Justin Mc Carthy, will present what the impact of a Mercosur trade deal would be on Irish Farmers to a group of MEPs, organised by Jim Nicholson in Brussels on Tuesday.

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Opposition to trade discussions growing