Vague proposals for an emergency break do not inspire any confidence
The Irish government must live up to commitments to oppose the Mercosur trade deal if robust protections for the environment and agricultural sector are not in place, according to Social Democrats Climate and Agriculture spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.
“EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is attempting to bulldoze through the Mercosur deal – despite huge concerns about its impact on the environment and agricultural sector.
“Today, it has been reported that an emergency break, which will prevent the EU being flooded with cheaper and lower quality beef, is being put in place.
“However, this seems to be nothing more than a vague commitment to a review, under certain circumstances, which may not lead to any action. It does not inspire any confidence.
“Irish and EU farmers are rightly held to extremely high standards, when it comes to the production of beef, and there are major questions about fairness if tariff-free imports from South America don’t also have to abide by those standards.
“This is not just a concern for farmers – but for consumers across the EU, who want to be assured the produce they are buying is of the highest quality with clear traceability.
“Meanwhile, there seems to be nothing new in the agreement to address the huge environmental concerns raised by this deal – particularly, accelerated deforestation of the Amazon, which would have dire consequences for entire planet.
“The environmental safeguards in the deal are simply not sufficient and ratification of it, in its current format, could spell disaster for efforts to address climate change.
“The Taoiseach must now outline if the government intends to live up to its commitment to oppose this deal until robust protections for the environment and agricultural sector are put in place.”