Laois farmers urged to unite against Mercosur at protest in Midlands

Laois farmers are being encouraged to show up at a protest against the Mercosur trade deal, which farmers and others fear could devastate beef farming in Ireland.

The IFA is throwing its support behind the protest in Athlone, which will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town crossing the river Shannon and ending in a rally in the indoor sports arena at the Technological University of the Shannon on the old Dublin Road.

Midlands North West MEP Ciarán Mullooly is opposed to the agreement. The Independent Ireland representative warns that Mercosur poses an "existential" threat to the Irish beef sector, comparable to the devastation Brexit inflicted on the fishing industry.

IFA President Francie Gorman said the IFA will take up the invitation to attend and speak at the January 10 protest.

“We would strongly encourage farmers to attend next Saturday to convey their opposition to Mercosur. It is a massive issue and we need a united front," said the Ballinakill man in a statement.

Mr Gorman spoke at a protest of thousands of farmers in Brussels before Christmas.

“The December 18th protest in Brussels, organised by the EU farm representative body COPA and its member organisations, including IFA, was crucial in ensuring the postponement of the Member State vote intended for that day. However, there is still huge pressure on from the EU Commission and certain Member States to ratify the deal as soon as next week.

“It is vital that our Government lives up to its commitment in the Programme for Government to work with like-minded countries to block the deal. The so-called ‘safeguards’ are only a fig leaf. They do not change the substance of this deal," he said.

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He added that an EU blocking minority requires four countries that make up at least 35% of the population of the EU. As Ireland has about 1% of the EU population, Mr Gorman said maintaining opposition in countries such as France (c. 15%), Italy (c. 13%), Poland (c. 8%), Hungary (c. 2%) and Austria (c. 2%) is vital.

"The Irish Government cannot block this on their own, but they can work with others to maintain the blocking minority,” he said.

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Organised by Independent Ireland, stewards will be on attendance on all approach roads to the town and all vehicles will be asked to park up in holding areas on the approach routes under the protest begins.

The protest takes place on Saturday, January 10 at 11am.