Thousands of Irish farmers protest EU's Mercosur trade deal

"Thousands of Irish farmers have taken to the streets to protest against a trade agreement between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur, a day after a majority of EU member states gave provisional approval to the long-negotiated accord. In the central town of Athlone, tractors streamed onto roads on Saturday as farmers from across Ireland gathered to demonstrate against the deal, holding placards reading Stop EU-Mercosur and shouting slogans accusing European leaders of sacrificing their interests."

"The deal, more than 25 years in the making, would create one of the world's largest free-trade areas, boosting commerce between the 27-nation EU and Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Irish farmers have been especially vocal in their opposition, warning that the deal could allow an additional 99,000 tonnes of low-cost beef to enter the EU market, disrupting Ireland's farming sector."

Thousands of Irish farmers protested in Athlone with tractors and placards against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement after a majority of EU member states gave provisional approval. The accord would create a large free-trade area between the 27-nation EU and Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, exchanging agricultural and mineral exports for EU machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals under reduced tariffs. Farmers fear cheaper South American imports, especially from Brazil, will undercut livelihoods. Irish farmers warn the deal could permit an additional 99,000 tonnes of low-cost beef into the EU, threatening beef and dairy employment. The Irish Farmers' Association plans to seek blockage in the European Parliament.

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