The EU-Australia trade deal is "a cause for concern", Ksenija Simovic, a senior policy advisor with Copa Cogeca has warned.

She said it has potential of "becoming a Mercosur 2.0".

Negotiations between the EU and Australia on a free trade agreement have been ongoing since 2018.

Simovic said if this deal was passed, it could possibly see "24,000 tonnes of beef and 20,000 tonnes of sheepmeat enter the EU at a reduced tariff".

"It would not be [a] good agreement for EU and Irish farmers," she added.

Briefing

This was among the main talking points from Agri Aware’s inaugural 'Food for Thought' industry briefing event recently, which took place at the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

The event heard from prominent figures in the agricultural sector both nationally and internationally including keynote speaker Tadhg Buckley, director of policy / chief economist with the Irish Farmers' Association.

He gave updates on key policies and trade deals including the Mercosur, the nitrates derogation and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

From the panel discussion, chaired by Agri Aware’s Marcus O’Halloran, the major talking points firstly were on Ireland having the third best water quality in Europe.

Secondly, on the potential of a 20% cut in the next CAP budget.

Key issues

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Agri Aware executive director Marcus O’Halloran said: “Coming at a critical time, it was important to bring together the agricultural industry and provide insight into the key issues currently impacting the sector.

"This event brought to light many positive stories and also some challenges that we are currently in the midst of but what is also potentially coming down the line for the sector – which is important that as an industry we are kept up to date on and prepared for."