• Thousands of Irish farmers protested in Athlone against the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
• The deal could introduce 99,000 tonnes of cheap beef from South America, threatening local farming.
• Farmers raised concerns over food safety standards and the potential undermining of Irish agriculture.

Thousands of Irish farmers gathered in Athlone on Saturday to protest the European Union’s trade deal with the Mercosur bloc, following provisional approval by EU member states. The protest saw farmers driving tractors into the streets and displaying banners reading “Stop EU-Mercosur.” This demonstration is part of broader protests across Europe, including similar actions taken by farmers in Poland, France, and Belgium, highlighting the deal's contentious nature, especially in agricultural communities, according to India Times and Reuters.

The EU-Mercosur agreement, negotiated over 25 years, aims to create a massive free-trade area by connecting Europe with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. However, Irish farmers fear that increased imports, particularly of low-cost South American beef, might undermine their livelihood. Up to 99,000 tonnes of beef entering the EU could severely impact local prices and income stability, leading to strong opposition from various Irish and European groups, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.

Protests highlighted concerns about food safety and production standards. Joe Keogh, a farmer participating in the protest, conveyed his frustration regarding the sacrifice of local agricultural interests, describing the situation as an “absolute disgrace” that could devastate rural farming. “It’s going to close down the whole countryside,” he remarked. Such sentiments were echoed across demonstrations, reflecting a community deeply invested in the regulatory standards that govern food production, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) stated that they view the provisional approval of the deal as “very disappointing” and have called for Irish members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to oppose the agreement further. They emphasize the urgent need for legislative action to protect local farmers, whose livelihoods may be jeopardized by influxes of cheaper imported goods that don’t meet EU standards for quality and safety, according to India Times and SCMP.