The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called for a statement from all political parties that they will veto the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal.
Speaking on this national vice president John Joe Fitzgerald outlined the organisation’s growing concern that “a deal could be reached this week by world leaders at the G20 summit in Brazil.”
This he added “is a real prospect which is why we need immediate clarity from our politicians and a commitment to veto any deal at EU level.”
The proposed deal would allow for free trade between the EU and Southern American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay which Fitzgerald stated “will impact heavily on Irish farmers especially our suckler and beef sectors.”
“With Irish and European farmers delivering far higher standards in food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare standards than food coming from South America, this trade deal will lead to unfair competition” added Fitzgerald.
This unfair competition will, he continued “impact heavily on Irish farmers and ultimately lead to more farmers leaving the land.”
The impact of the proposed deal is also recognised by the EU Commission who Fitzgerald stated “are already talking about compensation, and in doing this are already conceding that this agreement will do irreversible damage to our beef industry.”
Clearly the EU Commission and some EU countries are, he continued “anxious to get a deal done. However, here in Ireland we must stand firm and not allow the interests of German car manufacturers or High-Tec industries to undermine European agriculture and compromise food sovereignty.”
In conclusion Fitzgerald expressed his concern that amid the drama of the general election this deal could be passed without the proper analysis needed. This he stressed “is why we are asking that all parties and independents commit now to vetoing any such deal.”