IFA president Francie Gorman has said that the EU trade deal with Australia is another big blow for Irish farmers, following on from the Mercosur deal.
“This is another deal with a large exporting nation with lower production standards and significant economies of scale,” he added.
“The proposed deal also includes sensitive products such as beef and sheepmeat.”
The president noted that the effects of these trade deals have not been adequately assessed and that farmers feel they are being used as a “sacrificial lamb”.
“The Australians walked away from an offer of 23,000 tonnes of beef in 2023. Now we are hearing that the European Commission is likely to give further ground by offering an increase to 30,000 tonnes of beef and 20,000 tonnes of sheepmeat as part of the revised draft,” he said.
Rising volatility
Additionally, Gorman emphasised the rising volatility in input costs is also a key consideration before opening the door to products from countries with lower standards and production costs.
He pointed out that the Commission should hold firm on its previous draft of the trade deal.
“The last proposal was concerning, but now we are hearing about more concessions. The Commission must ensure a fair and balanced trade deal that has European farmers’ livelihoods and production standards as a priority,” he said.
SHARING OPTIONS