British farming leaders have raised fresh concerns after EU governments formally approved the Mercosur trade deal, with the Ulster Farmers Union warning it will have a severe impact on domestic producers.
The UFU said the decision to uphold agreements with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay had heightened concerns that farmers across the UK would be exposed to cheaper imports produced to standards not allowed within the EU.
The Mercosur agreement, which has been negotiated for more than two decades, is expected to significantly increase imports of agricultural products into the EU under preferential tariff agreements, including beef.
British and European farming groups have warned that the deal risks creating an uneven playing field for producers operating under strict regulatory requirements.
The UFU said the measures raise fundamental questions about whether farmers can compete fairly with products produced under completely different systems, especially when there are differences in animal welfare rules, traceability, regulatory oversight and production practices.
UFU vice-chairman Glenn Cuddy said approval of the agreement risked putting further pressure on farm operations. “Approval of this agreement raises fundamental questions about the fairness of international trade,” he said.
He added: “Farmers already operate under tight profit margins and strict regulations. Opening the door to increased imports produced to lower standards risks undermining the confidence, competitiveness and long-term viability of family farms.”
The union also warned that the deal could weaken consumer confidence in the food supply chain, particularly if imported meat is subject to different regulations than UK or EU production.
Similar concerns have been echoed by agricultural organizations across Europe, who have warned of market distortions, downward pressure on prices and negative impacts on rural economies if safeguards are not fully enforced.
The UFU is calling on policymakers in Belfast, Dublin and Brussels to ensure that all Mercosur imports are tested on par with EU standards, that safeguard mechanisms can be activated quickly in the event of market disruption, and that farmers remain closely involved in assessing the real-world impact of the deal.
“Trade agreements have to be balanced,” Mr. Cadi said. “Farmers need assurance that standards are upheld, safety measures are enforced and they are not burdened with decisions made beyond the farm gate.”
He said it was “fundamentally unfair” to expect farmers operating to the world’s highest standards to compete with imports produced under a different system.
Mr Cuddy also urged continued efforts to promote domestically produced meat, encouraging consumers across the UK to check labels carefully and support retailers working to source local produce.
