Concern in Irish farming circles at EU's CAP plans
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Agriland
7 hours ago
- Agriland
Watch Mercosur Deal Will Not Destroy Eu Agriculture Costa
The President of the European Council has said that the EU-Mercosur trade deal will not destroy European agriculture. Speaking in the European Parliament this morning, president Antonio Costa urged EU countries to 'move forward and sign' the Mercosur deal by the end of the year. Last December a political agreement was reached between the EU and the founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). But the deal still needs to be ratified by EU member countries including Ireland which is concerned about its potential impact on Irish agriculture and the environment. The European Council, guided by unity in the diversity of our nations, works hand in hand with the Commission and this Parliament. Together we are strengthening our defence, reinforcing our competitiveness, and defending our values and interests globally. — António Costa (@eucopresident) July 9, 2025 Today President Costa told MEPs the EU should focus on the 'long-term benefits' of the deal for Europe. "The Mercosur agreement's quota for beef represents 1.6%, I repeat... 1.6% of the total European beef production," Costa said. "This is also less than half of our current imports from Mercosur. This will simply not be able to destroy European agriculture. "If we want to export our social and environmental standards, the way to do this is through trade agreements because tariffs don't spread standards, trade agreements do. "This is the message that Europe should send to the world, while others raise barriers, we build bridges, so let's move forward and sign the Mercosur agreement by the end of this year " he added. Amidst ongoing discussions around the EU-Mercosur trade deal, a recent report showed that EU-Mercosur trade was 'up substantially in the last decade'. The report from Eurostat outlined that, in 2024, the EU imported €56 billion-worth of goods, a 4.2% increase on 2023. The EU also exported €55.2 billion-worth of goods to the four countries last year – a 1.3% decrease compared to 2023 exports. According to the report, in 2024, the largest Mercosur partner measured by its share in total EU trade – both imports and exports – was Brazil followed by Argentina. The controversial Mercosur trade agreement would allow an additional 99,000t of beef enter the EU tariff-free from Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. The political agreement will open up the EU market to goods from Mercosur, but limits imports from those countries of 'sensitive agricultural products' such as beef, ethanol, pork, honey, sugar and poultry. The Tánaiste has confirmed that 'engagements' are continuing with the European Commission over the Mercosur trade deal and that the government will seek 'sufficient clarification' on priority areas before any final decision on the deal.
Agriland
11 hours ago
- Agriland
Irish Grain Growers Group Meets Minister Heydon on Budget 2026
Representatives of the Irish Grain Growers' Group (IGGG) met recently with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon to discuss the stakeholder organisation's priorities for Budget 2026. An IGGG spokesperson told Agriland: 'We had a very positive engagement with the minister and his officials. 'This was particularly the case where our proposals to secure future tax amendments for tillage sector are concerned. 'A follow-up meeting on these matters involving department of agriculture officials and IGGG representatives will take place over the coming weeks." The spokesperson added: 'There is general agreement that the tillage sector can play a key role in delivering higher levels of sustainability across Irish agriculture as a whole. And this must be fully reflected in government policy.' IGGG's leadership team will be lobbying strongly over the coming weeks and months on the issues of Budget 2026 and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) review proposals, recently published by the European Commission in Brussels. 'The CAP review will be of deep concern to every tillage farmer in Ireland,' the IGGG representative continued. 'The proposals on the table are totally unacceptable." The spokesperson said that If the proposals are implemented, they will "further reduce the core support funding levels available to the crops' sector". 'It really is a case of 'here we go again'. This is the third consecutive review of the CAP that will act to suck funding away from tillage. 'It started with the decision to introduce a process of conversion within the basic payment model at the CAP review before last. "And what's on the table now is a continuation of this process. This is totally unacceptable.' Meanwhile, Harvest 2025 continues apace. This week will see tillage farmers continue with the cutting of winter oats and oilseed rape crops with winter wheat and spring cereals to follow. IGGG is confirming that harvest 2025 yields should be in line a five-year average figure. Straw - certainly where winter cereals are concerned - is of high quality with regular customers doing deals similar to last season. Yield of straw in spring barley looks like, at this point, will be back on last year's levels. There is also the prospect of early-sown spring barley crops being harvested this week . However, a key issue – specifically with regard to the prospects for malting barley - has arisen. According to the IGGG representative: 'It has been made known to us that some merchants with ties to Boortmalt have placed a quota of 1.9t/ac on the malting barley intakes they will accept this year. 'This is irrespective of what quantities of barley delivered actually meet the malting criteria. So, in cases, let's say, where growers are achieving certified barley yields of 3t/ac, this means that 1.1t will be sent for feed. It's a totally unacceptable situation. 'Tirlán and Dairygold have stated that malting barley contracts will not be cut for the 2025 season.'
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wicklow dairy and beef farmer to host Teagasc farmyard design event
Teagasc is holding a series of farm building events in response to an increased interest in improving farm infrastructure due to the recent improved income potential from dairy farming, the new 60pc grant on slurry storage and the changing requirements for storage under the nitrates directive. Among the farmers hosting an event, Paul Grace's family has been farming in Dunlavin for eight generations. His farm (W91NX40) runs on a grass-based system, and he takes pride in producing low-mileage, high-quality food. Paul milks Fleckvieh cows, a traditional European breed prized for its dual-purpose qualities, which produce rich, wholesome milk and offer excellent beef characteristics. The former publican also keeps a herd of Aubrac cattle, a hardy French breed known for producing beautifully marbled beef that's widely celebrated in France for its outstanding flavour, tenderness, and heritage. 'Alongside our three children, we're building a healthy, grounded life rooted in the land, animals, and shared knowledge that shape who we are,' Paul commented. Topics that will be covered at the event include milking parlour, holding yard, and drafting, with a focus on cow flow, drafting efficiency, and management of dairy washings. There will be insights on cubicle shed design, scraper options, slurry storage requirements, and details on the new grant, along with information on calving and calf sheds, space allocation and ways to improve labour efficiency.
