Irish Farmers Rally in Athlone Against Mercosur
Thousands of Irish Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal in Athlone
Thousands of Irish farmers gathered in Athlone to protest the proposed EU–Mercosur trade deal. They warned it could undermine domestic agriculture by allowing increased imports of lower-cost South American beef.
According to reporting by The Irish Times, protestors expressed strong concerns over food standards and environmental equivalence. They also worried about the potential impact on farm incomes. Many argued that Irish producers, operating under strict EU regulations, would be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
The demonstration comes as the Irish government has already confirmed it will vote against the Mercosur deal in its current form. They cite risks to food safety standards and the long-term sustainability of Irish farming. The Athlone protest highlights the depth of opposition within the farming community as EU trade discussions continue.
Source: The Irish Times | 10 January 2026
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