Speaking at the demonstration, Michael Fitzmaurice condemned the agreement in the strongest possible terms, saying it sacrificed Irish farmers to benefit the German car sector.
“This deal sacrifices Irish farmers and rural communities for the benefit of other industries, particularly the German car sector. Our farmers have invested millions in environmental and animal welfare and poultry standards to produce food of the highest quality. Yet this agreement allows substandard imports, of poultry and hormone-treated beef from Mercosur countries, into EU markets. It’s a disgrace,” Fitzmaurice said.
The protest comes as Independent TD for South Tipperary Mattie McGrath called on Ireland to veto the Mercosur trade deal which is between the EU and five countries in South America – Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay.Deputy McGrath said that he continued to be “deeply concerned” over the impact of the deal on Irish agriculture, environmental standards, and rural communities as the deal allows the import of 99,000 tonnes of beef and 180,000 tonnes of poultry meat from South America at reduced tariffs.
“Beef from South America is likely to be in the form of steak cuts and could decimate the European steak market – where currently 50% of Irish beef exports are sold,” he said. He also accused the EU of “environmental hypocrisy”, saying “it pushes for stricter environmental regulations and reduced pesticide use within its borders, yet it is willing to import products from countries with far less stringent standards.”
Under the changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty no single country can block the deal, although some of the larger EU states oppose it including France where last Wednesday the lower house of parliament voted almost unanimously to oppose Mercosur treaty. Poland, Austria and the Netherlands are also seen as being opposed.
To block the trade agreement, at least three EU countries that represent at least 35% of the bloc’s population would need to join together in a blocking minority.
At today’s protest Ciaran Mullooly for Independent Ireland added: “The EU is asking European farmers to meet ever-stricter environmental standards while opening our markets to imports produced under far weaker regulations. This is an outrageous double standard that undermines both sustainability and fairness. We are here today to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Irish farmers and demand action.”
Fitzmaurice called on An Taoiseach Simon Harris to conduct meetings with other EU member states who share similar concerns about the Mercosur trade deal. Fitzmaurice is also urging all political leaders in Ireland to unite in opposing this deal and standing up for Irish farmers.
Meanwhile, Ciaran Mullooly has written to Veronika Vrecionová, Chair of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, demanding that representatives from the European Commission attend next week’s committee meeting to address urgent concerns about the Mercosur deal.
He has requested detailed explanations on safeguards (if any) to protect EU farmers from unfair competition; how the agreement aligns with EU commitments under the Green Deal and Paris Agreement; risks posed by hormone-treated beef and other substandard imports entering EU markets; the lack of transparency and consultation during negotiations.
In the coming days, Mullooly will meet with MEPs from France, Poland, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands to build a coalition against the Mercosur trade deal. By uniting opposition across member states, he aims to amplify farmers’ voices throughout Europe and ensure the agreement undergoes full democratic scrutiny, he said.
Michael Fitzmaurice added: “This is not just about economics; it’s about fairness, sustainability, and protecting rural communities across Europe. We will not stand by while Irish farmers are sacrificed for political expediency.”