Cattle Association: 'Backdoor' beef deal 'disgraceful'

ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin has expressed serious concern at news of renewed backdoor discussions between the EU Commission and the Mercosur group (South American countries) on the possibility of a special low tariff deal for beef imports and branded them “disgraceful”.

Mr Gilmartin said: "This initiative by the Commission is at odds with the severe restrictions imposed on Brazilian beef as a result of the much lower standards applied in that country. It is also outrageous that these talks should be instigated without first having a considered discussion with all 27 member states via a farm council meeting.