Australian Trade Deal Another Blow to Beef & Sheep Sectors

IFA President Francie Gorman said advancing a trade deal with Australia is another major concern for farmers.

“This is another deal with a large exporting nation with lower production standards and significant economies of scale. The proposed deal also includes sensitive products such as beef and sheep meat.” 

Francie Gorman said the cumulative impact of these trade deals is not being properly assessed and farmers feel they are being used as a sacrificial lamb.

“The Australians walked away from an offer of 23k tonnes of beef in 2023. Now we are hearing that the EU Commission is likely to give further ground by offering an increase to 30k tonnes of beef and 20k tonnes of sheep meat as part of the revised draft,” he said.

Francie Gorman said the increased volatility in production costs of key inputs is also a critical factor that must be considered before opening the door to products from regions with lower standards and production costs.

He said the Commission should hold the line on their previous draft.  “The last proposal was concerning, but now we are hearing about more concessions. The Commission must ensure a fair and balanced trade deal that has European farmers’ livelihoods and production standards as a priority,” he said.