The Irish Farmers Journal reported on Thursday night that the European Commission had proposed a 70,000t Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for beef as part of its trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries.

Some 11 countries, including Ireland, are understood to have opposed this volume, as beef is seen as a sensitive product in the trade talks.

In a circular to its members on Friday, the IFA said it will stage a protest next Wednesday 4 October at the offices of the European Commission in Dublin.

It is calling on its members to get out and support the protest.

IFA president Joe Healy said it would be a major mistake for the EU Commission to make a 70,000t offer at this time given the huge uncertainty over Brexit, as well as the ongoing scandals in Brazil over its failure to meet EU standards.

The Irish Farmers Journal has learned that officials in Brazil are unhappy with the 70,000t offer by the Commission, but are unlikely to challenge it.

Read more

Listen: 1m cattle Mercosur beef offer on the table

Hopes of blocking Mercosur offer fade