IFA calls for Minister for Agriculture to be ‘tougher’
Hanrahan has gathered the view that Heydon’s comments appear to make light of the impact of Mercosur on farmers
Print3 April 2025
The chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has called for Martin Heydon, Minister of Agriculture to be firm and unapologetic.
The recent calls apply to Heydon and his government colleagues when opposing the European Union (EU)-Mercosur trade deal.
Recent appeals from the IFA are for the future viability of Irish sucklers and beef farmers.
Threat to beef farmers
The response from Declan Hanrahan, chair of the IFA, stemmed from Heydon’s comments that Irish beef farmers could “manage” the effects of the deal.
Hanrahan has gathered the view that Heydon’s comments appear to make light of the impact of Mercosur on farmers.
Concerns that are swirling around the point toward the flooding of the EU market with South American beef could drive down the prices.
Thus, the deal could make it even more difficult for farmers to secure a fair price for their produce.
Hanrahan comments
The official statement from Hanrahan and IFA surrounds the lack of trust placed in Heydon as they claim he is “flippant” about a negative economic impact.
In his statement, he said: “The suckler and beef sector in Ireland is a low-income vulnerable sector with average incomes of just €9,500 and €17,000 respectively last year, it is unbelievable our Minister for Agriculture could be so flippant about a negative economic impact of €50 million on us”.
“The Minister seems to be preparing for failure”, said Hanrahan.
“These market conditions must be protected and stopping an extra 99,000t of South American beef entering the EU market through the flawed Mercosur deal is vital,” he concluded.
The Meat Industry Ireland (MII) carried out an analysis that suggests the Irish beef sector would be hit for €100 million and €130 million because of the export profile.
Read more: Lidl takes Irish Farmers Association to court for alleged defamation
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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