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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...

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...