Thousands of Irish farmers took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the EU's trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur. Despite opposition from Ireland and France, EU member states approved the treaty, leaving many in rural areas feeling "sold out".
Tractors flooded the roads of Athlone, central Ireland, displaying signs that read "Stop EU-Mercosur" and "Sell Out". The protests follow similar demonstrations in Poland, France, and Belgium, where farmers have long expressed concerns about the impact of cheaper imports from Mercosur on their livelihoods.
The deal aims to create one of the world's largest free-trade areas, boosting commerce between the 27-nation EU and Mercosur bloc members Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. However, many European farmers fear that cheaper agricultural products from South America will disrupt Irish agriculture, with some predicting an influx of over 99,000 tonnes of cheap beef.
Ireland's main farmers' lobby group, the Irish Farmers' Association, described the result as "disappointing" and vowed to renew efforts to secure a majority against the deal in the European parliament. The association's president, Francie Gorman, stated that Irish MEPs must stand behind the farming community and reject the Mercosur deal.
Concerns about environmental standards also dominated the protests, with farmers carrying signs calling for an "Irexit" and accusing Mercosur beef exports of not meeting EU standards. The Irish taoiseach, Micheál Martin, had previously expressed similar concerns, warning that imports from Mercosur may not be produced to the same environmental standards as those set in Ireland.
The outcome of the deal is now uncertain, with the agreement needing approval by a majority of MEPs in the European assembly in the coming months. With voting coalitions becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable, the future of the trade deal hangs in the balance.
Tractors flooded the roads of Athlone, central Ireland, displaying signs that read "Stop EU-Mercosur" and "Sell Out". The protests follow similar demonstrations in Poland, France, and Belgium, where farmers have long expressed concerns about the impact of cheaper imports from Mercosur on their livelihoods.
The deal aims to create one of the world's largest free-trade areas, boosting commerce between the 27-nation EU and Mercosur bloc members Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. However, many European farmers fear that cheaper agricultural products from South America will disrupt Irish agriculture, with some predicting an influx of over 99,000 tonnes of cheap beef.
Ireland's main farmers' lobby group, the Irish Farmers' Association, described the result as "disappointing" and vowed to renew efforts to secure a majority against the deal in the European parliament. The association's president, Francie Gorman, stated that Irish MEPs must stand behind the farming community and reject the Mercosur deal.
Concerns about environmental standards also dominated the protests, with farmers carrying signs calling for an "Irexit" and accusing Mercosur beef exports of not meeting EU standards. The Irish taoiseach, Micheál Martin, had previously expressed similar concerns, warning that imports from Mercosur may not be produced to the same environmental standards as those set in Ireland.
The outcome of the deal is now uncertain, with the agreement needing approval by a majority of MEPs in the European assembly in the coming months. With voting coalitions becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable, the future of the trade deal hangs in the balance.
. I mean, who even voted for Mercosur, anyway? Did they think about all the farmers back home who are going to be, like, totally screwed by cheaper imports from South America? 
It's not like it's a huge issue or anything... I guess that's why there are protests now 
. On the bright side, maybe we'll finally get some decent beef on our plates if everyone just eats more of that Mercosur stuff 
. But seriously, can't they see how this is gonna affect local farmers and the environment? 
I'm not surprised to see Irish farmers taking to the streets about this EU-Mercosur deal. It's a classic case of "you can't have it both ways" - the EU wants to boost trade with Mercosur, but at what cost to its own agricultural industry? The concern over cheaper imports from South America is valid, especially when it comes to environmental standards. I mean, who wants imported beef that doesn't meet EU's stringent safety regulations? 
Farmers are taking a stand for their livelihoods and demanding their voices be heard. The EU's decision to push forward with the Mercosur trade deal has sparked widespread protests across Europe, with farmers fearing that cheaper imports will disrupt local agriculture. It's time for politicians to listen to the concerns of those who rely on farming as a living and ensure that the environment is protected.
I don't get why they're so attached to these old-fashioned farming ways. And what's with the environmental standards thing? Can't we just adapt and make our own standards competitive again? 
. The farmers are scared of change, plain and simple. They're not thinking about the bigger picture here. And what does it even mean to have "standards" anyway? Is it really that hard to produce beef according to EU rules? 
I'm all for some level of protectionism, but this is just taking it too far.
. That's the real solution here. And maybe, just maybe, they'll come out with something more innovative than a bunch of old signs on a tractor 
.
u guys r gonna make irish farmers sell their souls for EU profit?! I mean, what's next? Selling out our own country to get a discount on Brazilian beef 
. It's like they're saying "hey, we don't care about your livelihoods, just give us cheap imports and be done with it" 
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.
!
. They're fighting for their livelihoods and it's not easy to see their concerns being ignored 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to protect their homes and businesses? It's like they're being sold out (no pun intended) by people who don't understand the impact of these trade deals on rural communities 
.
. And I love how Francie Gorman is speaking truth to power - her words are so inspiring 
! It's not just about Ireland or farming, it's about people who care deeply about their land and way of life 
.
. This deal might seem like a great economic opportunity, but at what cost? The environment and rural communities shouldn't be sacrificed for growth 
. Fingers crossed that something changes soon 
. It's not just about the farmers being worried about cheaper imports, it's about the real agenda here. Think about it, the EU wants to create a massive free-trade area that benefits all their member states, but what about the smaller countries like Ireland? They're getting left behind 
Ireland's farmers are totally passionate about this deal, huh? I mean, it's easy to see why they're worried – cheaper imports could really hurt their livelihoods. And environmental standards are a big concern too. 
. I hope our MEPs can do better than what happened on Saturday, but at this point, it feels like a long shot 
. They're worried that cheaper imports from South America will ruin their businesses and I don't blame them for being angry 
. I hope those MEPs in Brussels listen to the farmers and reject this deal 
. Anything less would be a betrayal of our rural communities 
.
I don't get why Irish farmers are so upset about this EU-Mercosur thing... They're complaining that cheaper goods from South America will hurt their livelihoods, but isn't that just basic economics? 
. If the EU is going to let Mercosur beef into our markets without proper checks and balances, that could be super problematic for us farmers who are trying to do things right 
. It just goes to show that farmers across Europe have strong feelings about this deal 
I mean, what's new? Irish farmers protesting something... 
. Can't they just get over it already? 
The EU did their job, now it's time for the farmers to suck it up and deal with it 
. I guess some people just can't handle a little change in the market 
️. Grow up, farmers! 
. We need a more nuanced approach that takes into account the real-world impact of trade deals on rural communities 
. And another thing, if EU countries are already giving South American countries free trade, why should Ireland get special treatment? It's only fair that we open up to new partners and opportunities