Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman is to drive a tractor to Brussels in two weeks’ time before meeting up with the IFA national council and EU farming organisations to protest against Mercosur, CAP cuts and the regulation of farmers.

Gorman is to depart from the association’s base in the Irish Farm Centre on Monday 15 December with the intention of linking up with farmers along the route.

The Brussels protest - planned by the EU umbrella organisation for farm groups Copa - will take part on the following Thursday.

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The day was picked as it coincides with a meeting due to be attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the 26 other EU heads of state to discuss the next EU budget.

“This is about showing solidarity with fellow farmers as we seek to highlight the critical issues confronting farmers,” the IFA leader said.

The EU heads of state showdown on the next long-term EU budget comes as the European Commission plans its most radical overhaul of the seven-year finance package in decades.

CAP cuts

Its proposals seek to gut ringfenced funds for the CAP by over 20% as the CAP’s previously standalone budget would be merged into a larger funding pot responsible for policy areas outside of agriculture.

“The initial proposals would leave a significant gap in funding for the CAP programme post-2027,” Gorman commented on the budget plans.

“We will be standing with our colleagues from across Europe to deliver a strong and united message that an adequate budget is needed across the twin pillars.”

The IFA president said that the protest will also focus on the lack of standards in Brazil, as he cited the recent recall of Brazilian beef after it was found to be tainted with hormones banned in the EU.

“We completed an investigation last month with the Irish Farmers Journal which shows Brazil is light years away from operating anywhere near EU standards,” he continued.

“The European Commission cannot turn a blind eye to their practices around animal medicines and tagging.”