Larger EU tariff cuts criticised

IRISH Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association president Malcolm Thompson has attacked the chairman of the WTO negotiating group on agriculture, Crawford Falconer, for proposing even greater EU tariff cuts.

Mr Thompson said cuts are greater than the 60% already proposed for the most protected products, such as beef. Large tariff rate quotas would give an additional boost to the competitiveness of Brazilian beef.

“Every time we get news on WTO negotiations, the outcome looks worse. If this deal goes through, a lot of farmers will have difficulties staying in business,” he said.