NFU President Peter Kendall and his Irish Farmers' Association equivalent John Bryan have outlined their strong reservations about the reopening of EU-Mercosur trade talks.
The two farming leaders held a bilateral meeting in London where they discussed the forthcoming dialogue between the EU and the South American trading block, the results of which could seriously damage the British and Irish livestock, pig, poultry and grain sectors.
The review of the Common Agricultural Policy and other issues of mutual interest were also on the agenda.
Mr Kendall said that as part of the Mercosur discussion the EU Commission must recognise the fact that Irish and UK farmers operate to the highest standards of food safety, animal identification and welfare – and meet rigorous environmental regulation.
He said: “Beef imports from South America and particularly Brazil fail to meet all EU standards in these areas and the EU cannot allow an erosion of such important standards to European consumers and producers.”
Mr Bryan warned consumers would not accept increased beef imports from Brazil if they came at an unexpectedly high cost in terms of climate change and widespread destruction of the rainforest in the Panthanal and Amazon regions.
Mr Kendall added: “Both the NFU and the IFA recognise the importance of the CAP and the significant benefits it brings across a number of areas for producers, consumers, the rural economy, the environment and food security.
“Both organisations will work closely in the coming months as the CAP 2013 debate steps up and co-operate at European level to build a stronger case for the CAP.”