The Mercosur trade agreement is among the items up for discussion at a meeting of EU agriculture ministers to take place in Brussels on Monday 26 January.

Speaking ahead of the meeting of the AgriFish Council, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said trade agreements will be on the agenda, as well as CAP, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and organics.

“Today’s meeting provides an opportunity to discuss a range of issues at the heart of the current EU agriculture agenda.

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“These include the opportunities associated with the bioeconomy, the importance of EU food security and trade-related issues.

“I will also take the opportunity to highlight the importance of ensuring that the CAP remains the primary tool to underpin food production, stabilise farm incomes and support rural communities.

“The agenda will also include a discussion on a targeted amendment of the organic farming regulation.”

Specifically in relation to trade and Mercosur, the Minister stated: “In relation to trade, I will highlight the importance of market diversification, including through the finalisation of EU free trade agreements, while also restating the need to protect vulnerable sectors.

“In the latter regard, I have been very clear about Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement, and particularly its potential impact on the beef sector.

On CBAM, the Minister said he would reiterate his concerts in relation to the regulation.

“I will also reiterate fertiliser is a critical input cost for Irish and EU agriculture and the potential impact of the CBAM regulation on fertiliser costs risks the undermining of farm competitiveness, food production and sector sustainability,” he added.

Noting this is the first council under the presidency of Cyprus, Minister Heydon wished the country well.

“Of course, with less than six months remaining to Ireland’s presidency of the EU, I look forward to working closely with Cyprus to ensure that we deliver for all of the EU in 2026,” he added.

Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries Timmy Dooley will also be in attendance.