The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) has said that Irish MEPs must "step up and reject" the EU-Mercosur trade deal which got the green light from member states on Friday morning.

ICSA president Seán McNamara said that the battle is far from over, but it is now entering its most critical phase.

"Irish MEPs must step up now, reject this deal and actively work within their political groupings to build the opposition needed to stop it," he said.

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This trade agreement, McNamara added, will see the importation of food products that the EU cannot fully stand over and can never guarantee are 100% safe for European consumers.

“Today’s vote sends a dangerous message. The European Council is prepared to allow in imports produced using practices that are outright banned for Irish and European farmers. That is beyond reckless,” he said.

McNamara added that it was deeply concerning that a qualified majority of member states chose to push the deal through regardless of the risks to farmers, consumers and the credibility of the EU’s food safety standards.

“The Council is essentially green-flagging produce it cannot certify to the same standard and cannot honestly guarantee is safe. The fact that they are prepared to put farmers out of business and put the health of European consumers at risk for the sake of this grubby deal is a total disgrace,” he said.

"Farmers and the wider public need to make their voices heard on this issue," he added.

“ICSA will be at the protest in Athlone on Saturday, and we are calling on farmers, agri-businesses and concerned consumers to come out, stand up and make their voices heard. Political pressure matters, and silence will be taken as consent," McNamara said.

Macra

Macra has also expressed grave concern and deep disappointment following confirmation that the trade agreement has been accepted, despite Ireland opposing the deal at EU level.

While Macra acknowledges the Government’s decision to reject the agreement, today’s outcome underlines the significant challenges facing Irish agriculture when national concerns are overridden at European level.

"The deal raises serious issues around fairness, regulatory alignment and the cumulative impact of trade agreements on farm viability.

The implications for young farmers are particularly acute. Many are in the early stages of their careers, making long-term investment decisions while operating under some of the highest environmental, animal welfare and traceability standards in the world," Macra president Josephine O'Neill said.

"Exposure to increased imports produced to lower standards risks further undermining confidence in farming as a viable future for the next generation," she added.

"Our young farmers operate to the highest standards of animal welfare, traceability and environmental protection, producing a safe, high-quality product for Irish consumers.

The approval of the Mercosur Trade Agreement fundamentally undermines these efforts, placing young farmers at a competitive disadvantage and threatening the viability of their farm businesses. The consequences extend far beyond the farm gate, putting the future of farming and the fabric of rural Ireland itself at risk," O'Neill concluded.

Macra has called on the Government to urgently outline how Irish farmers, and young farmers in particular, will be protected and supported in light of this decision, and to pursue all available measures to mitigate the impact on Irish agriculture.

The organisation also continues to urge Irish MEPs to vote against the trade agreement in the upcoming parliamentary vote to guarantee a future for young farmers and rural communities.