Mercosur deal disaster for Ireland and the planet
Labour Cork North Central TD Eoghan Kenny has described the proposed Mercosur deal as a disaster for Irish farmers and our planet.
Deputy Kenny said:
“The Mercosur deal is which has been pushed by the EPP will effectively throw Irish farmers to the wolves. It would decimate the Irish beef industry by allowing 99,000 tonnes of South American beef into Europe.
“The farmers who produce this beef do not have to meet the same requirements in terms of traceability, animal welfare and health and safety than Irish farmers have to meet.
“Even worse, beef production in South America is responsible for 65% of tropical deforestation.
“The EU is asking Irish farmers to set aside land for nature restoration but incentivising farmers in South America to destroy habitats. It simply doesn’t stack up. It’s not credible and it should not be supported by any Irish MEP.
“The deal totally undermines our commitment to sustainable food production and to tackling the global climate crisis. Labour will work in Ireland and at an EU level to block it.”