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. Mr Buckley gave updates on key polices and trade deals, including the Mercosur Trade Deal, the Nitrates Derogation and the Common Agricultural Policy. 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. COPA-COGEA's Ksenija Simovic said: “The EU-Australia Trade Deal is a cause for concern, potentially becoming a Mercosur 2.0.

Source: Irish Examiner January 22, 2026 10:37 UTC