Irish farming groups have criticised the European Commission's move to have the Mercosur trade deal ratified.
President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Francie Gorman said the commission’s approach to trade issues "has to be questioned".
"It’s both hypocritical and contradictory to insist on the highest standards for European producers only to allow Mercosur countries access without reaching the same standards," he said.
The IFA is calling on the Government to "stand up" on the issue.
Mr Gorman said: "We have had plenty of assurances about the Government’s opposition to the Mercosur deal, but it has to deliver.
"Beef and poultry producers should not have to pay the price of allowing other sectors gain access to the South American market.
"We cannot countenance a deal that refuses to recognise the gap in standards between the EU and Brazil," the IFA President added.
Proposal a 'calculated betrayal' - ICMSA
Meanwhile, the group representing dairy farmers, the ICMSA, described the Commission’s proposal to ratify Mercosur as a "calculated betrayal".
ICMSA President Denis Drennan said: "How can anybody imagine that we can have Irish and other EU farmers practically drowning in a relentless tide of EU micro-regulations on the environment and sustainability, while the very same EU concludes a trade agreement that will see massive imports of beef and other foodstuffs produced in an environmental free-for-all and without a semblance of sustainability?
"If this proceeds then it becomes the 'Gold Standard’ in international and institutional hypocrisy and double standards," he added.
The ICMSA wants the Government to make "a united case" with other EU members opposed to the deal and form a "blocking element" to any ratification.
Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North West Barry Cowen has said support for the Mercosur trade deal could potentially be given if safeguards are strong, if the deal genuinely strengthens competitiveness and some solid assurances around the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Nitrates Derogation Scheme were given.
He urged farmers to engage with the new details and see if new safeguards stand up before rejecting it.
"I'd be happy to take any feedback on board," he said, and "I won't hesitate to oppose a deal that undermines Irish farmers but I don't believe it serves them to reject it out of hand".
Call for 'swift ratification' of deal from business group
Chambers Ireland called for the "swift ratification" of both the Mercosur and Mexico trade agreements by the European Union.
Chief Executive of the group representing businesses Ian Talbot said Ireland needs "to develop new markets, particularly in light of ongoing volatility in some of our largest existing ones".
"Today's announcement is a positive development that will help anchor stability at a time when international trade dynamics are shifting rapidly," he said.
Mr Talbot added that "the Mercosur agreement has been on the table for far too long and it's time to get things moving".
He said the European Commission's proposals introduce "significant new safeguards for agriculture and presents the Irish Government with the opportunity to reconsider its opposition to the previous version of the agreement".
"These deals also present significant opportunities for sectors like the drinks sector and will further liberalise the services sector," Mr Talbot added.
