Thousands of Irish farmers took to the streets on Saturday, many arriving on tractors from across the country, to protest the European Union’s trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, following preliminary approval from a majority of EU member states for what would become the largest free-trade deal in the EU’s history.
The demonstration, held in the town of Athlone, highlighted the deep concerns of Irish farmers over potential market flooding by cheaper imports of meat and dairy from Mercosur countries, which they say could threaten the survival of local farms.
“It’s an absolute disgrace to the farmers and the people who built Europe,” said Joe Keogh, a farmer from Multyfarnham. “This deal could close the countryside entirely.” Protesters carried signs reading: “Don’t sacrifice family farms for German cars,” “Our cows follow the rules, why don’t theirs?” and “Selling out the cause.”
The EU-Mercosur deal has faced stiff opposition from several member states with significant agricultural sectors, particularly France, the bloc’s largest agricultural producer. On Friday, France failed to convince enough EU members that the agreement would flood European markets with cheap products, undermining local competitiveness.
In Ireland, the government has expressed concerns about the deal’s insufficient safeguards, especially regarding food safety standards in South America. Opposition parties, farmer organizations, and coalition members have pressured Dublin to demand stricter protections for the domestic agricultural sector.
Though a small country, Ireland relies heavily on its meat and dairy sectors, which are central to employment in rural areas. Farmers warn that even limited exposure to cheaper imports could destabilize the sector.
Niamh O’Brien, a farmer from Athenry, explained, “Irish farmers already face major risks. We don’t have large-scale industrial farms, and incomes barely cover the cost of farming. This isn’t just about farmers, it’s about the quality of the food we eat.”
While the EU has agreed to some compensation packages and safeguards for farmers, the deal still requires European Parliament approval before implementation. Ireland, alongside France, has pledged to push for its rejection or amendment, and the final parliamentary vote is expected to be closely contested.
The Irish protests followed similar demonstrations in Poland, France, and Belgium on Friday, reflecting widespread concerns across the EU’s agricultural community. Farmers are using these mobilizations to pressure governments to protect local production and ensure that trade liberalization does not come at the expense of rural livelihoods.
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