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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...

Macra has stated that the postponement of today’s vote on the EU–Mercosur trade agreement extends uncertainty for farmers, with young farmers being particularly vulnerable to prolonged indecision. While the delay allows for further consideration of the issues involved, it also leaves early-stage farm businesses without clarity on future market conditions. Young farmers making investment and production decisions need certainty, not continued ambiguity around trade policy. Concerns around regulatory standards, environmental requirements and the cumulative impact of trade agreements remain unresolved. These issues must be fully addressed before any agreement can be progressed. Macra is calling on the Government to use...

As payments under the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme (NDBWS) begin to issue this week, it has emerged that the maximum number of eligible calves payable per farmer has been reduced from 50 to 31, almost 20 fewer, due to the scheme being oversubscribed.  While the payment of €20 per calf remains, the cut means the maximum payment per farmer now falls to €620 instead of the anticipated €1,000.  This outcome is deeply concerning for all who signed up, but it is especially damaging for young farmers and new entrants who are in the crucial early stages of building their...

Confirmation from EU Commissioner Michael McGrath that the inclusion of the draft proposal on the renewal of Ireland’s derogation on the agenda of the EU Nitrates Committee’s next meeting in December is welcomed by Macra. Macra President Josephine O’Neill welcomes the confirmation from the Commissioner this morning but stresses that “any conditionality attached to the renewal of our derogation needs to be workable for our young farmers but also needs to allow new entrants to secure a derogation.” Macra has been a key part of all discussions around the renewal of Ireland’s Derogation and continues to urge the Commission to...

Macra has issued a strong warning to the Government in the wake of last night’s Private Members’ Bill in the Dáil, sharply criticising the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and insisting that Ireland must not support any deal that undermines Irish farmers in pursuit of broader EU trade objectives. The debate, and the visible backing from farming organisations present in the chamber, highlighted a united stance across the sector. For Ireland’s beef and poultry sectors in particular, Mercosur represents the most serious external threat in a generation, with the potential to inflict lasting economic damage on farm families and on the wider...