The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has said that new analysis of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement shows the "real danger for the Irish beef sector".

Speaking at the Bord Bia Marketplace seminar today (Friday, January 17), IFA president Francie Gorman said the analysis from Meat Industry Ireland (MII) "backs up the concerns raised by beef farmers here and across Europe".

MII, the Ibec sector association representing beef, pork and lamb processing members has voiced its strong opposition to the recently agreed Mercosur deal.

The association said that once the deal is fully phased in, Mercosur exporters will have additional EU market access of 99,000t of beef and will be better by €400 million per annum.

The analysis shows that the Irish beef sector would be hit for between €100 million and €130 million because of our export profile. This would equate to a loss of €75-€95/head.

The IFA president noted that there is "a clear commitment" in the draft programme for government that the new administration will work with other like-minded EU member states to oppose the deal.

“The new government needs to hit the ground the running to block this flawed deal,” he said.

The IFA president said that in his role as vice-chair of European farmers' group, COPA he will be working with farm organisations across Europe and the IFA office in Brussels to oppose the deal.

"We be reiterating our message about the potential damage this deal could do to the Irish beef sector,” he said.

“Our MEPs will also have an important role here. Given the critical importance of our livestock sector to the rural economy, we expect them to resolutely oppose the deal.

"It got a very lukewarm warm reception in the EU Parliament yesterday and I believe opposition is building,” Gorman added.