WATCH | Annoyed Longford farmer demands to know why are farmers being sold out over Mercosur

'We tag, we test, we toil, we trace and all for what' was the message of one annoyed Longford farmer at the Mercosur trade deal protest in Athlone. 

He also demanded to know why are farmers being sold out over Mercosur?

PICTURES | Longford farmers out in force as 20,000 protest against 'rotten' Mercosur deal

Ahead of the NO to Mercusor protest, Granard Farmers Mart was a meeting point for many local farmers travelling down the N55 to Athlone.

Cllr Colin Dalton said, "As a farmer myself I am standing firmly with farmers and rural communities to oppose the Mercosur trade agreement due to its impact on rural Ireland."

He added, "Farmers play a vital role in sustaining Ireland’s rural economy and food production, and there are serious concerns within the agricultural sector that the Mercosur deal could adversely impact Irish beef and livestock markets by exposing producers to imports produced under less stringent environmental and regulatory standards.

WATCH | Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly declares protest sent 'clear and powerful message, Ireland says NO to Mercosur'

"We as farmers stand shoulder to shoulder to protect our livelihoods, rural communities, and standards of production that have made Irish agriculture distinguished globally."

Also read: Angry Longford farmers part of massive Athlone protest against rotten Mercosur trade deal