Beef Plan co-chair Hugh Doyle told the Irish Farmers Journal that the movement wants all farm organisations to join in a protest against the Mercosur trade deal in Dublin on 10 July.

While there had been little communication from the Beef Plan as trade negotiations between the EU and the South American bloc intensified in recent weeks, Doyle said he now wants to put pressure on Irish politicians ahead of the general election due in the coming months.

"We will call out the present government and ask them how any environmentally friendly country can agree with the European Commission signing this deal," he said.

While Brazil only recently started tagging cattle and was involved in a major meat fraud scandal last year, "I even have to account for the worm tablets I give my dog," Doyle said.

'Put up the 'for sale' sign'

Asked about the prospect for other farm organisations to join the protest after being the target of criticism from the Beef Plan in the past, the movement's co-chair said: "Back last July and August, there was a lot of frustration and we were saying a lot of farming organisations needed to up their game. That's why the Beef Plan was formed."

He added that he was satisfied this had now happened. "If we can't come together as a unit and expose the double standards in this deal, then we might as well put up the 'for sale' sign," he said.

Read more

Hogan 'understands worry' over Mercosur deal

Mercosur reaction: 'beef farmers are the sacrificial calf'

Mercosur and beef prices: what will happen?

Mercosur reaction: Irish and European farmers 'sold out'