Thousands of farmers marched in Athlone on Saturday at a protest denouncing the EU-Mercosur trade deal which, if approved by the European Parliament, will pave the way for 99,000t of low-tariff Mercosur beef to enter the EU.

It came after EU member states voted to green light the deal on Friday.

Organised by Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly and TD Michael Fitzmaurice, over 25 politicians and farm organisation leaders took to the podium at the Technological University of the Shannon to highlight their concerns over the deal.

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These centre around a level playing field between EU and South American farmers when it comes to rules and regulations, food safety, and future beef prices being at risk of being undercut by cheaper beef from these countries.

Fitzmaurice said the show of strength by farmers sent a clear message to Europe and to the Government.

Independent Ireland claimed that 20,000 farmers attended the monster event, with a garda spokesperson stating that An Garda Síochána was “not in a position to provide an estimated attendance” for the demonstration.

Concerns

In response to the concerns raised by farmers, a European Commission spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal that EU market access offered to the Mercosur region for beef exports was carefully calibrated to ensure no adverse impact for EU producers.

“The preferences equate to approximately 1.5% of total EU production.

“They are phased in gradually, over seven years.

“To offer an additional layer of reassurance to EU farmers and member states, the agreement contains the strongest legally binding safeguards ever included in an EU trade deal.

“This is specifically designed to ensure that farmers have full protection should there be an unexpected negative market impact.

“On top of that, the Commission has proposed to put in place a €6.3 billion reserve as a final insurance policy for farmers.”

Next steps

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council António Costa, will travel to Paraguay on Saturday to sign the agreement.

The deal faces one final hurdle – a vote of the European Parliament. That vote will decide whether the agreement will be ratified.