Irish beef farmers are disappointed that the EU-Mercosur trade agreement has been approved in Brussels today.
They say it's unfair that beef produced in Latin American countries to a much lower standard and with no traceability on animals, can enter the EU market, competing with Irish beef.
Shay Galvin is a beef farmer in Croom, County Limerick in the hinterland of Ireland's Golden Vale.
"All of the animals you see here behind me, they have two tags in their ears, they are identified from birth to slaughter, that doesn't happen in the Mercosur countries," he said.
"Today's vote is very disappointing."
Proponents of the trade deal say it offers access to new markets and helps combat US tariffs, but while additional safeguards have been put in place, beef farmers say they are not enough.
"They're not going to give any confidence to farmers that we are going to be protected," said Louise Crowley, Chair of Limerick IFA.
"Incomes are going to be hit and because of the time period before the safeguards are implemented, farmers are going to feel the pinch," she said.
Watch: EU traceability standards 'not replicated' in Mercosur countries - Chair, Limerick IFA
The Irish vote against the deal risked burning political capital in Brussels, but farmers reject that concern.
"The EU standards are either right or they are wrong," said Mr Galvin.
"If the EU standards are wrong, that's fine but if the EU standards are right, they are food safety standards so you have to stand up for food safety standards."
He said all beef entering the EU market should comply with EU standards.
Read More:
FF and FG MEPs to oppose Mercosur in EU parliament
Why is the EU-Mercosur trade deal a contentious one?
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