A trade deal between the EU and the Mercosur South American trading block was named by the Irish Association of Farmers Natura and Hill Farmers "INHFA" as "evidence of EU hypocrisy in relation to climate change."

Colm O'Donnell, president of the association, said the deal, which will add another 99,000 tons to the EU tariff quota for Mercosur beef, is "a clear sign that climate change is worth the price."

O'Donnell claims the deal "will accelerate the ongoing destruction of rainforests at a time when European Commissioner Phil Hogan is inviting Irish farmers to plant more trees."

“This deal proves that large-scale industry will transcend the environment, our farmers and our rural communities. It also undermines EU food safety standards because we cannot guarantee the true origin of beef and all the risks involved, ”said Colm O'Donnell.

The president of INHFA emphasized that the “devastating consequences” of the transaction will be experienced not only by dairy and meat farmers, but by wider farming sectors and rural communities.

“For this reason, it is vital that our government and all elected members of the public do everything possible to undermine this deal,” said President of the Irish Farmers Association Natura and Hill Farmers.