Call for EU to suspend trade deal talks

Farmers have called for the EU to immediately suspend negotiations on Mercusor, TTIP, and other possible trade deals, until the implications of Brexit are recognised and can be accommodated.

ICMSA president John Comer said Mercosur, in particular, could be extremely negative for Irish farmers, and it is inconceivable that talks can continue in the fog of uncertainty and confusion surrounding Brexit.

In relation to existing trade agreements, Mr Comer noted that some deals contained significant concessions to certain third countries, to take account of their historical trading relationship with the UK.