Noel Thomas warns Irish farmers “cannot continue to be sacrificed” following EU move on Brazilian beef imports
Noel Thomas has said the latest developments around increased Brazilian beef access to European markets highlight why he remains firmly opposed to the Mercosur trade deal and deeply concerned about the future of Irish farming.
The Galway West by-election candidate said Irish farmers are being expected to compete against imports produced under entirely different regulatory and environmental conditions while continuing to meet some of the highest standards in the world themselves.
“Farmers across Galway and the west are already under enormous pressure from rising costs, uncertainty and constant regulation,” Noel Thomas said.
“They are being asked to meet some of the strictest environmental, traceability and animal welfare standards anywhere in the world. At the same time, the European Union is opening the door to increased beef imports from countries operating under very different systems. That is not a level playing field.”
Noel Thomas said Irish farmers cannot continue to be treated as bargaining chips in international trade negotiations.
“The Mercosur deal has been a major concern for Irish agriculture from the very beginning. Rural Ireland cannot continue to be sacrificed while families here are struggling to remain viable.”
He said the issue also matters to consumers who value Irish food quality and transparency.
“Irish agriculture has built a strong reputation around quality, trust and traceability. People want confidence about where their food comes from and how it is produced. We should be protecting and strengthening Irish farming, not undermining it.”
Noel Thomas said protecting family farms and rural communities must remain a national priority.
“Farming is the backbone of rural Galway and rural Ireland. Once family farms are lost, entire communities are weakened with them.”
