The fifth round of negotiations between the EU and the US on a trade deal has been taking place in Virginia, USA all this week.

The TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) is a contentious issue on both sides of the Atlantic with agriculture consistently being one of the central aspects of the talks. Other areas such as pharmaceuticals, the motor industry, removal of trade barriers and film rights are also central to the talks.

As with other trade negotiations, like the one between the EU and Canada, beef is a sticking point for both sides. America wants to get more of its beef into the lucrative European market. While the US has not shown its hand in terms of the volumes it wants to send into Europe, the understanding is that they would like to gain access to premium restaurant markets as a priority.

European negotiators, including trade commissioner Karel De Gucht, have maintained that any product, including beef, being exported from the US into the EU must of the same standard to what is already in European. Therefore, in terms of beef, no hormones or growth promoters can be used during the animal’s lifetime.

It’s not just in beef where Europeans have concerns over the agricultural aspects of the TTIP talks. Earlier this week, the European Milk Board (EMB) called on negotiations to stop. The EMB too raised concerns over standards in the US.

A joint press conference to conclude the fifth round of negotiations is expected later on today.

Meanwhile, the lengthy trade talks between the EU and the Mercousr grouping of nations looks to be nearing a conclusion. It is expected that the Mercosur nations will provide its proposal to the EU in the next two to three weeks. Talks have been under way since 1999.

Similar to the TTIP talks, the Mercosur trade block (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) is looking at obtaining greater access to the European beef markets.

Farmers this side of the water are urging the EU negotiators to protect the continent’s beef farmers.

IFA president Eddie Downey has warned of the damage to the Irish and European livestock sector as a result of moves by the EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in the Mercosur trade negotiations with Brazil and other South American states.

Downey said there is real fear that President Barroso and Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht are determined to make a substantial EU offer on agriculture and market access during the lull period between the European elections and the establishment of the new Parliament.

The IFA President said this is a very worrying period in the Mercosur negotiations. “It is being reported that there is more unity than heretofore on the South American side, with less negative soundings from Argentina. However, the real concern lies on the EU side with President Barroso intent on making a substantial EU offer on market access and volumes.”