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Macra continues to call on Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to take decisive action to facilitate urgent and constructive dialogue across the agri-food sector, in order to protect Ireland’s international food reputation and restore farmer confidence in Bord Bia. Recent public exchanges involving the Chair of Bord Bia and concerns raised by the Irish Farmers’ Association have highlighted the need for clear leadership, dialogue and engagement. Confidence among farmers in the institution that represents Irish food at home and abroad is essential and must be safeguarded. Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality food producer depends on unity, transparency, and respect...

Macra, noting the ongoing protest involving the IFA & Bord Bia chairperson, believe that engagement between all relevant parties would be a positive step towards achieving a constructive outcome. Macra considers that open discussion and cooperation offers the best opportunity to address the issues and to ensure confidence among farmers, industry stakeholders and international partners is restored.  In correspondence to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Macra has called on the Minister to bring all relevant parties together to reach a resolution once and for all.

Macra welcomes today's vote of the European Parliament to request an opinion of the Court of Justice on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement with the Treaties.The vote follows weeks of farmer protests and lobbying at National and EU level, in which Macra members and many young farmers from all over Europe participated to express their deep concerns surrounding the Agreement, in particular and the procedures surrounding its signature.“When it comes to Ireland, we produce our beef and poultry to the highest standards and pride ourselves on this with this deal undermining the standards our farmers must follow. It...

Macra has expressed grave concern and deep disappointment following confirmation that the EU–Mercosur trade agreement has been accepted, despite Ireland opposing the deal at EU level. While Macra acknowledges the Government’s decision to reject the agreement, today’s outcome underlines the significant challenges facing Irish agriculture when national concerns are overridden at European level. The deal raises serious issues around fairness, regulatory alignment and the cumulative impact of trade agreements on farm viability. The implications for young farmers are particularly acute. Many are in the early stages of their careers, making long-term investment decisions while operating under some of the highest...

Macra President warns of severe impact of Mercosur Agreement on Irish Agriculture Macra President, Josephine O’Neill, has today expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of the proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement for Irish agriculture, while strongly criticising the Irish Government for its ongoing lack of a clear and decisive position on the issue. “The Mercosur agreement poses a very real threat to Irish farmers, particularly to the beef and poultry sectors that are already under immense pressure,” Ms O’Neill said. “Allowing increased imports of agricultural produce from countries operating to vastly different standards undermines the livelihoods of family farms and...