MEP Gallagher warns against renewed Mercosur trade negotiations

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP warned "that the beef sector must not be used as a bargaining chip for other economic sectors in the context of renewed EU trade negotiations with South American nations."

"On 04 May, the European Commission decided to re-launch the negotiations on an Association Agreement with the Mercosur countries, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay."

"It is essential that we remain vigilant. I want to be very clear; the prospect of low cost beef imports from South America entering the European marketplace would have serious consequences for Irish farmers and the food sector."

Mr. Gallagher added that "the decision to impose a ban on Brazilian beef in 2007 was rightly made on the grounds that the same rigorous rules and procedures which are in place for European beef producers must also apply to countries that wish to export their products into the EU marketplace."

"I have now requested a meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht to assess the implications for agriculture, the food sector and farm families in Ireland."

ENDS