NO to Mercosur – 20,000 farmers protest in Athlone against EU deal

An estimated 20,000 Irish farmers gathered in Athlone on January 10 as opposition intensified to the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal, according to Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooley.

Farmers from across the country travelled to the midlands for the large-scale demonstration, which saw rolling convoys of tractors and heavy machinery converge on the town in a show of solidarity and growing anger within the agricultural sector.

The protest followed confirmation that the EU ambassador had approved the outline of a trade agreement with four South American countries — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The deal must still be ratified by the European Parliament before it can take effect.

Addressing the crowd in Athlone, Mr Mullooley said he was proud to stand with Irish farmers in their opposition to the deal.

“No match is ever won at half-time. The second half begins now. I go back to Brussels tomorrow and I will speak to every one of you. For those who are not here today, they will hear from me tomorrow and in the days ahead. I will talk to every group, every organisation, and I will continue to defend and protect our farmers at all times.”

“No matter what you heard yesterday, this morning I had phone calls from Italian MEPs. They told me their Prime Minister does not sleep easily, having said yes to Mercosur, and that they will vote with us — with Irish farmers and with Italian farmers.”

He said Ireland was right to oppose Mercosur, warning that the deal posed serious risks to food safety, animal welfare and farm incomes.

“Ireland quite rightly says no to Mercosur,” he said. “Irish and European citizens do not want hormone-treated beef entering our markets. We do not want untraceable, untested and unidentified beef allowed to undercut our farmers and threaten consumer safety.”

Mr Mullooley said the protest sent a “clear and powerful message” to the Irish Government, the European Commission and the 720 MEPs who will decide the treaty’s future.

“Ireland stands shoulder to shoulder with French, Italian and Polish farmers,” he said, adding that Italian MEPs had contacted him directly to confirm their opposition to the deal.

“This is the same fight farmers were fighting more than 60 years ago — a different era, but the same determination,” he said. “No match is ever won at half-time. The second half begins now.”

The rally also heard from Martin Collins, leader of Independent Ireland, who said Irish farmers had been ignored for decades.

“For 60 years, Irish agriculture has been asked to carry the burden,” he said. “This deal would expose Irish farmers to unfair competition from countries with lower standards, lower prices and little regard for animal welfare or environmental protection.”

Organisers said kilometres of farm machinery were still attempting to access Athlone as the protest continued, describing the turnout as a clear demonstration of the strength of feeling within the farming community against the proposed agreement.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny who was in attendance said farmers in counties like Leitrim — particularly those involved in beef and suckler farming — will pay the price when the agreement goes through.

“Irish farmers are being asked to compete with imports produced to much lower environmental and animal welfare standards,” he said. “That is simply not fair, particularly when our farmers are already under pressure and are producing food to some of the highest standards in the world.”

He warned that the real danger posed by Mercosur lies not just in imports coming into Ireland, but in the displacement of Irish beef exports on European markets.

“We have a relatively small domestic population but a very large cattle herd,” he said. “The vast majority of our beef has to be exported, and if that market is undercut by cheaper imports, farmers in places like Leitrim will feel the impact first.”

Ballinamore councillor Brendan Barry, who travelled to Athlone for the protest, said the Mercosur agreement posed a serious threat to Irish farming and rural life.

“This deal is a direct threat to Irish farms, rural jobs, consumer confidence, human health and environmental standards,” he said. “Irish farmers and rural communities must not be sacrificed for a trade deal that is all about profits for big business.”

Meanwhile, Sligo councillor Micheál Clarke, who was also in attendance, praised the strong turnout from the north-west despite difficult weather conditions.

“I’m proud of the people from Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal for turning out in large numbers despite the black ice and dangerous driving conditions,” he said. “I also want to acknowledge the cattle marts, local businesses and communities for delivering such a clear message. We will protect our quality food.”

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