Irish farmers fear they will be undercut by unfair competition from cheaper South American beef. Irish beef farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur deal because they fear they will be undercut by unfair competition from cheaper South American beef. [ Q&A: What is the Mercosur trade deal and what does it mean for Ireland? ] Voting to reject the trade deal would likely damage Ireland’s standing with the commission and pro-Mercosur governments. [ Ratifying the Mercosur deal is a no-brainer ]Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae said the Programme for Government committed the Coalition to work with like-minded countries to oppose the Mercosur deal.

Source: The Irish Times January 05, 2026 22:47 UTC