The Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) President Francie Gorman has said analysis on the proposed Mercosur trade deal backs up the concerns raised by beef farmers here and across Europe.
Mr Gorman said the analysis by Meat Industry Ireland (MII) shows that the Irish beef sector would be hit for between €100m and €130m because of Ireland's export profile, adding that this would equate to a loss of €75-€95/head.
There is a clear commitment in the draft Programme for Government that the Irish Government will work with other like-minded EU member states to oppose the deal, according to Mr Gorman.
"The new Government needs to hit the ground the running to block this flawed deal," he said
Speaking at the Bord Bia Marketplace seminar today, the IFA President also said that in his role as Vice Chair of COPA he will be working with farm organisations across Europe and the IFA office in Brussels to oppose the deal.
"The new EU Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christopher Hansen will be the attending the 70th IFA AGM in the Irish Farm Centre next Thursday.
"We'll be reiterating our message about the potential damage this deal could do to the Irish beef sector," he said.
"Our MEPs will also have an important role here. Given the critical importance of our livestock sector to the rural economy, we expect them to resolutely oppose the deal.
"It got a very lukewarm warm reception in the EU Parliament yesterday and I believe opposition is building," he said.
