Press release
Minister Peter Burke secures direct engagement with Brussels for agriculture sector over Mercosur concerns
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke met with EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic on Friday 13 last to discuss priority trade issues for Ireland. Concerns over the new Mercosur trade deal topped the Minister’s agenda.
Minister Burke said:
"As Minister for Trade, but also as a public representative from a farming background in a rural constituency, I have expressed my concerns over possible unintended consequences of the Mercosur agreement. While no final decision on adoption is imminent, I believe that all stakeholders, and the farming community in particular, need to be fully informed of all aspects of the proposed future trade arrangements with the Mercosur bloc.
"Throughout the negotiations on this agreement, the Commission has been made aware of Ireland’s key requirements in relation to the trade and sustainability commitments in the agreement. Furthermore, we continue to make the Commission aware of our model of farming here, including the practices that farmers have implemented over the last number of decades and the sustainability measures which are now the bedrock of Irish farming. Farmers have invested significant resources into sustainability, and we must expect the same high standards for all products entering the market to ensure a level playing field, which is a concept that is at the very heart of the EU.
"Following my discussions with Commissioner Sefcovic, we have agreed that the Commission will send a special mission to Ireland to meet and engage directly with representatives of the farming organisations. My department will facilitate a series of discussions early in 2025. I am confident that this will help ensure an informed understanding for all sides of the consequences of the new Mercosur agreement text."