June 19, 2006

Upcoming WTO trade talks puts Irish beef producers on edge

Ireland's beef producers are concerned that the European Commission could propose further concessions that would damage the Irish beef trade as the latest rounds of WTO talks proceed.

Irish Farmers'Association president Padraig Walshe said he was alarmed and incensed that EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson was offering more concessions in negotiations. Mandelson was recklessly pursuing a WTO agreement at any price, Walshe said, adding that the future of Irish beef production was being bartered away in the WTO negotiations.

He also urged Ireland's government to defend Irish beef.

The IFA president said he would be raising the seriousness of the situation for all aspects of farming at a series of top level meetings. He would also be meeting Agriculture Commissioner Fisher Boel and highlight to her that Mandelson's concessions would destroy the European farm family structure and leave Europe's food production in the hands of South American ranchers and US multi-nationals.

Agriculture is a massive loser from the negotiations in exchange for insignificant gains for other sectors in Ireland, Walshe said.

Walshe noted that in avoiding health and environment standards in the WTO negotiations, Mandelson is pursuing an agenda of cheap raw materials without regard for the damage to the environment and the risks to food safety and health.