IFA and NFU join forces on Mercosur trade talks

The NFU and Irish Farmers’ Association have expressed concern about the reopening trade talks with the Mercosur group of South American countries because of the impact it could have on farmers.

The president of the NFU Peter Kendall and the president of the IFA John Bryan held a bilateral meeting in London during which they outlined their strong reservations.

They said the outcome could seriously damage important livestock, pig, poultry and grain sectors across both Britain and Ireland.

Mr Kendall said that as part of the Mercosur discussion the EU Commission must recognise the fact that Irish and UK farmers operate to the highest standards of food safety, animal identification and welfare, as well as the environment.

“Beef imports from South America and particularly Brazil fail to meet all EU standards in these areas and the EU cannot allow an erosion of such important standards to European consumers and producers,” said Mr Kendall.

John Bryan said consumers expect that the EU will not accept increased beef imports from Brazil, that come at an unexpectedly high cost in terms of climate change and widespread destruction of the rainforest in the Panthanal and Amazon regions.