Former IFA and ICMSA presidents unite in opposition to Mercosur

Former IFA and ICMSA Presidents unite at Tullamore Show to oppose Mercosur Trade Deal Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Irish Farmers’ Association President John Dillon and former ICMSA President Pat O’Rourke – now Political & Agri Adviser to Midlands–North-West MEP Ciarán Mullooly – joined forces at the Tullamore Show to warn of the devastating impact the proposed EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement would have on Irish beef farmers.

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If ratified by EU member states, the deal would grant significantly increased access for South American beef into the European market.

Speaking at the show, the two former farm leaders highlighted the massive price gap between Brazilian and Irish beef – a gap driven by differences in production standards.

“The farm-gate price for beef in Brazil is just €3.20 per kilo. In Ireland, it’s €9.50 per kilo.

That difference is explained by the lower animal welfare standards, use of growth hormones, and weaker environmental protections in Mercosur countries,” Mr Dillon said.

The structural disadvantages for Irish farmers are equally stark. While farms in Mercosur countries can be as large as 15,000 hectares, the average Irish family farm is just 34 hectares.

“Irish farmers cannot and will not be able to compete on price with beef produced under vastly different rules and on an industrial scale. If the Government is serious about backing Irish farmers, there’s only one option – say No to Mercosur,” Mr O’Rourke said.

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The pair called on the Government to take a firm stand against the deal in upcoming EU negotiations, warning that its ratification would undermine the Irish beef sector, threaten rural livelihoods, and reward production systems that fail to meet the high standards demanded of EU farmers.