Speaking after a public meeting on the issue, Collins said that farming remains the backbone of rural Ireland and that many in the sector fear the long-term impact of the agreement.
“The Minister and the Government need to state their position now and let farmers and the people of Ireland know how they intend to vote at the EU Council meeting,” Senator Collins told the Limerick Post.
“Sinn Féin will fight back against the Mercosur agreement. Farming is the backbone of rural Ireland, and people are genuinely worried about the future of family farms and the communities that depend on them.
“The contributions we heard tonight underline the depth of concern across the sector. Farmers and organisations are clear about the risks they see for food standards, livelihoods, and the wider rural economy.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Martin Kenny TD, again called on the Minister for Agriculture and the Government to clearly outline Ireland’s stance at EU level.
At the public meeting in Newcastle West, speakers from the IFA, Macra na Feirme, the ICSA and other organisations shared their experiences and concerns about the implications of Mercosur.
Deputy Kenny said, “I raised the issue of food safety standards on beef being imported from Brazil, considering the revelations in last week’s Farmers Journal around the use of illegal antibiotics and growth hormones in beef production.
“It is welcome news to hear that Hungary announced that they will oppose the Mercosur trade agreement, and I asked the Minister if Ireland will do the same and publicly state its position.
“His response of still discussing this with other member states is unacceptable. We know France, Poland and now Hungary are opposed to the deal.
“Why can Ireland not state its position? The deal is the deal – it’s not going to change – and we know it’s a bad deal for farmers, a bad deal for consumers and a bad deal for the environment.”
Sinn Féin said it will continue engaging with farming organisations and rural communities and will continue to raise concerns at national and EU level as discussions progress.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.