IFA warns Cowen deal will spell disaster for Irish livestock sector

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has again been warned that the Irish livestock sector will be devastated if the European Union goes ahead with a bilateral deal on agriculture with the Mercusor trading group of Latin American countries, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan, who met with the Taoiseach, said he outlined to Mr Cowen the urgency of the situation and the need for the Government to intervene with the European Commission at the highest level to defend the Irish beef sector.

Mr Bryan said the Taoiseach assured him he understood the seriousness of the situation and shares IFA concerns about any moves by the commission to re-open discussions that could lead to a bilateral deal on agriculture with the Mercusor trading group.