IFA National Council to Join COPA Protest in Brussels on Dec 18th
The National Council of IFA will travel to Brussels in two weeks’ time to take part in a Europe-wide demonstration of farmers.
Ahead of the protest on Dec 18th, the IFA President will travel by tractor from the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin on Mon, Dec 15th to Brussels. Francie Gorman said he would link up with fellow farmers along the route to Brussels.
“This is about showing solidarity with fellow farmers as we seek to highlight the critical issues confronting farmers,” he said.
The COPA pan-European day of protest will coincide with the meeting of the Heads of State, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, at the European Council which will discuss the EU budget.
IFA President Francie Gorman said the event, which will be the biggest in a decade, will focus on three key themes: the CAP budget, the Mercosur trade deal and excessive regulation around the cost of doing business.
“The initial proposals would leave a significant gap in funding for the CAP programme post 2027. We will be standing with our colleagues from across Europe to deliver a strong and united message that an adequate budget is needed across the twin pillars.”
The protest will also focus on the lack of standards in Brazil, as evidenced by the recent recall of meat with hormones.
“We completed an investigation last month with the Irish Farmers’ Journal which shows Brazil is light years away from operating anywhere near EU standards. The EU Commission cannot turn a blind eye to their practices around animal medicines and tagging.”
Farmers will also raise the burden of regulation and the impact this is having on farm businesses.
