Irish farmers join protests in Strasbourg to oppose Mercosur deal

Farming organisations marched in a protest this week in Strasbourg opposing the Mercosur trade deal, which will be put to a vote in the EU Parliament on Wednesday morning

ICSA president Seán McNamara at the Mercosur protest in Strasbourg, marching with farmers from across Europe opposing the deal.

Ahead of the key Mercosur vote in the European Parliament, Irish farming organisations protested in Strasbourg.

The vote on Wednesday could see the deal referred to the European Court of Justice for a decision on whether it is compliant with EU statutes.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) president Seán McNamara said farmers would not back down in their fight to stop the trade deal, saying he and the organisation stood in solidarity with farmers from across Europe protesting against the deal.

We are in Strasbourg, standing shoulder to shoulder with farmers from every corner of Europe to send a clear message that we will not accept Mercosur, and we will not be bought off with so-called safeguards or compensation.

"No amount of alleged safeguards or compensation will protect either farmers or consumers from the dangerous ramifications of this deal,” he said.

Mr McNamara said the decision by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to travel to South America to sign the deal over the weekend showed a reckless push to drive Mercosur through, ignoring growing opposition in the European Parliament.

Mr McNamara thanked Irish MEPs who have already publicly committed to voting against Mercosur.

“Those MEPs deserve credit for standing up for Irish farmers, rural communities and consumers. By contrast, those who have indicated support for this deal must explain how they can justify voting for an agreement that so clearly sacrifices Irish agriculture and puts consumers at risk,” he said.

The ICSA president once again called for the Irish Government to step up its efforts. He said the trade deal undermined what European farmers were asked to do on climate, animal welfare and traceability, and exposes consumers to serious risks.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) were also part of the French farmer protest in Strasbourg on Tuesday, with the French farmers remaining outside the parliament overnight.

“Yesterday we also met a number of MEPs to seek their support for this vote and the overall Mercosur vote,” IFA president Francie Gorman said.

“Today’s vote is expected to be tight. Whatever the outcome, the campaign against Mercosur will continue until the final vote in the parliament, which is likely to be in March/April,” he added.