Agri Aware event discusses water quality and a ‘Mercosur 2.0’

Topics such as Ireland's water quality, the potential of a Mercosur 2.0 with the EU, and Australia were discussed at the inaugural Food for Thought Agri Aware event

(Left to right): Marcus O’Halloran (Agri Aware) chaired a panel discussion with Tadhg Buckley (IFA), Ksenija Simovic (COPA-COGEGA), Kevin Maher (Dairy Sustainability Ireland, Ibec), and Phelim O’Neill (Irish Farmers Journal) on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Water quality and a potential ‘Mercosur 2.0’ were discussed at the Agri Aware inaugural ‘Food for Thought’ industry briefing event.

Taking place in Naas, Co. Kildare, on January 16, positivity around Ireland’s water quality and the potential of a ‘Mercosur 2.0’ in the form of a potential trade agreement between the EU and Australia were the main talking points at the event.

It heard from prominent figures in the agricultural sector both nationally and internationally, including the keynote speaker, Director of Policy/Chief Economist with the Irish Farmers Association, Tadhg Buckley.

Mr Buckley gave updates on key polices and trade deals, including the Mercosur Trade Deal, the Nitrates Derogation and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Also joining Mr Buckley were Ksenija Simovic of COPA-COGEGA, Kevin Maher of Dairy Sustainability Ireland, Ibec and Phelim O'Neill of the Irish Farmers Journal for a panel discussion to further discuss these topics and break down the positives and challenges that each would bring to the sector.

Chaired by Agri Aware’s Marcus O’Halloran, the discussion's first major talking point was that Ireland has the third-best water quality in Europe. A statistic often not highlighted amongst the commentary on the issue.

Secondly, it discussed the potential of the 20% cut in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget, which was described as “the end of the CAP as we know it to be.” 

Ksenija Simovic (COPA-COGEGA) warned that the EU-Australia Trade Deal could become a ‘Mercosur 2.0’, allowing 24,000 tonnes of beef and 20,000 tonnes of sheepmeat into the EU at a reduced 7.5% tariff, which would be detrimental for EU and Irish farmers.

Lastly, the discussion turned to the EU-Mercosur Trade Deal, the impacts on Ireland and the latest on it, after the EU council gave it the green light last week. However, another potential challenge facing the Irish agri-food sector is the EU-Australia Trade Deal that came to a standstill in 2023 and is now being talked about again.

COPA-COGEA's Ksenija Simovic said: “The EU-Australia Trade Deal is a cause for concern, potentially becoming a Mercosur 2.0. This trade deal, if passed, would see 24,000 tonnes of beef and 20,000 tonnes of sheepmeat enter the EU at a reduced tariff of 7.5%. It would not be a good agreement for EU and Irish farmers.” 

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran said: “This event brought to light many positive stories and also some challenges that we are currently in the midst of, but what is also potentially coming down the line for the sector, which is important that as an industry we are kept up to date on and prepared for.”