ICSA president Sean McNamara has reiterated the association’s steadfast opposition to the EU-Mercosur Trade Deal amid growing indications that an agreement between the two sides may soon be finalised. Speaking from Brussels, Mr McNamara said, "We are deeply troubled by the renewed momentum behind the Mercosur Deal. This agreement poses a direct threat to Irish agriculture, particularly the beef sector, by potentially flooding the European market with lower-standard imports from Mercosur countries. It must be stopped.”

Mr McNamara and ICSA Beef chair John Cleary are currently in Brussels, closely monitoring developments and engaging with MEPs to voice the concerns of Irish farmers.

 Mr McNamara said he remains deeply concerned about the possibility of the trade aspects of the deal being decoupled from other elements, which could allow them to be implemented without requiring ratification by national parliaments. "Splitting the deal would undermine the democratic process and silence the voices of farmers and rural communities, not just in Ireland but across the EU. We urge the European Commission to respect the sovereignty of member states in this matter," he said.

 “It is also critical for Irish political leaders to prioritise the formation of a stable government following the recent general election. The stakes have never been higher. Ireland needs a unified and proactive government that can engage effectively with Brussels to safeguard the interests of our farming communities. A cohesive Irish response is crucial to defeating the Mercosur deal and protecting Irish farmers from being ruthlessly sacrificed for the benefit of other sectors.”