Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly Warns Mercosur Deal Could Undermine Quality of Irish Beef and Calls on Public to Support Farmers at Athlone Rally
Reports in recent days have highlighted that beef imported from Brazil has been found to contain growth hormones that are banned under EU rules. These substances are not permitted in Irish or European farming due to health and safety concerns, yet they have still appeared in imported beef products. Senator O’Reilly said that Irish farmers are being held to some of the strictest standards in the world when it comes to animal welfare, food safety and environmental protection.
“Our farmers do things the right way. They follow the rules, they protect animal welfare and they produce beef that people trust. Allowing beef into Ireland that is produced under very different standards risks watering down the quality of food on our shelves and undercutting farmers who are already under huge pressure.”
She said that many farmers fear the deal would open the door to cheaper imports that do not meet the same standards, making it harder for Irish beef producers to compete while also eroding consumer confidence.
Senator O’Reilly is encouraging people to attend the “No to Mercosur” protest in Athlone on Saturday the 10th, where farmers and rural communities will come together to voice their concerns.
“Aontú will be there in full support. We have stood with farmers before and we are standing with them again. This is about protecting food quality, protecting rural livelihoods and making sure Ireland does not sign up to a deal that sells out our farmers.”
She added that the Irish government must take a stronger position and ensure that Irish agriculture is not sacrificed in the name of trade agreements that fail to guarantee equal standards.
