Cowen urged to plead case with EU Commission to halt beef imports

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen was urged by the Irish Farmers Association yesterday to intervene with the European Commission at the highest level to defend the beef sector against what it described as a real threat of increased imports from Brazil and other South American countries.

IFA president John Bryan, speaking in Brussels, said he was very concerned about Commission moves to re-open discussions with Brazil and other South American countries with a view to agreeing a bilateral deal on agriculture.

“Any attempt to increase beef imports from Brazil and South America would have devastating consequences for our livestock sector.