The European Parliament has backed new safeguards for farmers that will be built into the EU-Mercosur deal if the trade agreement comes into force in the future.

The deal will create one of the world's biggest free trade zone, covering a market of over 700 million consumers.

It is estimated the agreement can increase EU annual exports to Mercosur countries by up to 39% (€49 billion).

Mercosur is expected to remove duties on 91% of EU exports over a period of 10 years for most products. 

It will allow 99,000t of Mercosur beef to enter the EU market with a 7.5% duty.

55% of the quota will consist of fresh or chilled meat and 45% of lower-value frozen meat.

The safeguards put in place by the European Commission aim to protect the EU's agriculture sector from market distortion, should Mercosur imports affect the domestic market.

Ireland South MEP, Seán Kelly said: "This is the first time a legally binding safeguards mechanism, covering sensitive agricultural products, has been included in an EU trade deal and that is a positive development for farmers across Europe.

"I voted in favour of these measures today. To vote against safeguards for our farmers makes no sense at all, regardless of views on the Mercosur trade deal itself".

The Irish MEPs who voted in favour of the safeguards are as follows:

Nina Caberry (FG);
Regina Doherty (FG);
Barry Andrews (FF);
Barry Cowen (FF);
Aodhan Ó'Ríordáin (Lab);
Billy Kelleher (FF);
Sean Kelly (FG);
Maria Walsh (FG);
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF).

Those who voted against the safeguards are as follows:

Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland);
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (Ind);
Lynn Boylan (SF);
Kathleen Funchion (SF).

Independent MEP Michael McNamara was not present in Strasbourg to vote as he is currently on a European Parliament mission to Bangladesh to observe elections.

Safeguards

The adopted safeguard measures stipulate that the European Commission will launch an investigation into the need for protection measures when imports of sensitive agricultural products, including poultry, beef, eggs, citrus and sugar, increase by 5% on a three-year average.

This applies if, at the same time, import prices are 5% below the relevant domestic price.

An investigation may also be requested by a member state, a person representing the industry, or an industry association, in case of a threat to the industry concerned.

At least once every six months, the commission will have to present a report to parliament assessing the impact of imports of sensitive products.

The safeguard measures were adopted by the European Parliament following a vote of 483 MEPs in favour and 102 against, with 67 abstentions.

The new rules need to be approved by the EU Council and would then apply if the EU- Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement comes into force.

Currently the trade deal has been referred to the European Courts of Justice for a legal opinion on whether the agreement complies with EU laws.