Negotiations on a major trade between the EU and South American nations making up the Mercosur group looks to be nearing finality, according to reports coming from Brussels.

Despite consistent opposition, the European Commission has said a trade deal would deliver economic benefits of approximately €4.5bn a year to both regions. However, any gains would likely to be at the main expense of EU cattle farmers.

Liam Aylward, MEP for Ireland East, speaking to farmers in Brussels on Tuesday, has urged European farmers to take immediate action to make their opposition to the Mercosur trade deal known and to step up efforts to get this deal blocked.

Aylward stated that it was made clear to him that ‘there is significant will and commitment there from the Mercosur side and the EU side to come forward with a substantial deal as early as next month.’ However, the Irish Farmers Journal understands that a deal may not be signed until the middle of 2014.

Responding to the developments, IFA president John Bryan has urged the EU not to force the European Commission into a deal that may prove detrimental to the Irish beef market.

As the largest beef exporter within the European market, any move to increase beef imports from Brazil would inflict damage on the Irish livestock sector and would be madness in terms of our economic recovery. IFA has made this clear to the Taoiseach, Minister Bruton and Minister Coveney,” Bryan said.

Bryan cast doubts on the likelihood of European consumers accepting a deal which would see food imports from countries that use hormones and growth promoters in food production.