As Irish farmers, we take immense pride in producing high-quality beef and poultry under strict and stringent regulations. Every day, we work tirelessly to meet European standards for food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare. These standards are among the highest in the world and ensure that our products are safe for consumers and sustainable for the environment. However, the proposed Mercosur trade deal threatens to undermine all our efforts and jeopardize the future of Irish farming.

The Mercosur deal, involving Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, would allow for significant imports of beef and other agricultural products into the European Union. These countries do not have to adhere to the same regulations that we do, giving them an unfair competitive advantage. For instance, they can use growth hormones and fertilisers banned in the EU, and they have deforested large areas for agriculture, contributing significantly to global emissions.

A comprehensive study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre highlights the potential negative impacts on the EU agricultural sector if the deal goes forward. It estimates that the EU beef sector, which heavily involves Ireland, could see a reduction in revenues of up to 5% due to increased competition from lower-priced imports from Mercosur countries.

In addition, a report from Friends of the Earth reveals that deforestation rates in the Amazon have reached alarming levels, driven by agricultural expansion primarily for beef production. Allowing additional imports would indirectly support these environmentally damaging practices. The EU has a responsibility to promote sustainable trade practices that protect the environment and uphold high food production standards.

We need your help to stop this deal that endangers Irish farming livelihoods, compromises food safety standards, and ignores environmental sustainability. By signing this petition, you are standing up for Irish farmers, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, and demanding a fair and equitable trade agreement. Together, we can persuade our government not to support the Mercosur trade deal and ensure that our hard-fought standards remain intact for future generations. Please sign this petition today and help us make a difference.