A leading rural youth organisation has voiced strong frustration with the Government’s handling of the Mercosur trade agreement, warning that the lack of a clear position is leaving Irish agriculture exposed.
Macra says the uncertainty is fuelling anxiety on farms already grappling with rising costs, regulation, and market pressure.
A Direct Threat to Key Farm Sectors
Macra president Josephine O’Neill has been blunt about the risks involved, describing Mercosur as a serious danger to Irish farmers, especially those in beef and poultry.
These sectors, she said, are already stretched to breaking point, and the prospect of increased imports could push many beyond it.
Standards That Don’t Match Up
At the heart of Macra’s concern is the issue of fairness.
Irish farmers operate under some of the toughest environmental, animal welfare, and traceability rules anywhere in the world.
According to Ms O’Neill, producers in Mercosur countries are not bound by the same obligations, yet would gain easier access to the EU market.
An Uneven Playing Field
“This isn’t fair competition,” Ms O’Neill argued.
Farmers here are continually asked to raise standards, reduce emissions, and meet new compliance targets.
Expecting them to compete with food produced under looser rules, she said, undermines both farm incomes and the credibility of Irish and European food systems.
Young Farmers Left in the Lurch
Macra is particularly worried about what this deal could mean for younger farmers and rural communities.
Many are being encouraged to invest, modernise, and plan for the long term.
Trade agreements like Mercosur, Ms O’Neill warned, send the opposite signal by allowing those investments to be undercut almost overnight.
Beyond Farming: Rural Life at Risk
The organisation believes the consequences go far beyond individual farms.
If livelihoods disappear, rural towns and villages suffer too.
Ms O’Neill said the agreement threatens the social fabric of rural Ireland, not just its agricultural output.
Government Silence Fuels Frustration
Adding to the anger is what Macra sees as a failure of leadership from Government.
While concerns have been acknowledged, Ms O’Neill said farmers need more than vague reassurances.
They want to know whether Ireland will actively oppose the deal at European level.
Calls for a Clear Stand
Macra is urging the Government to reject the Mercosur agreement in its current form and to put the protection of Irish farming, food standards, and rural jobs first.
Trade policy, Ms O’Neill insisted, must align with climate commitments, food safety, and the future of family farming.
What’s Next?
For Macra, the message is simple: warm words are no longer enough.
The organisation wants clarity, action, and a firm stance that shows rural Ireland is being heard — and defended — when critical decisions are made.
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