Kilkenny farmers are relieved that the Government will vote against the EU’s Mercosur trade deal with South America, which Tánaiste Simon Harris re-iterated to The KCLR Daily yesterday: Carlow and Kilkenny reacts as Taoiseach confirms Ireland will not be voting for the Mercosur deal
However, news broke this morning that the Mercosur deal, following the Italian Government’s declaration of support during the week, had secured the qualified majority support required of Member States to approve an agreement which has been discussed and deliberated over the past 25 years.
Speaking to Matt O’Keeffe on The KCLR Farm Show, Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher (FF) believes the deal will be approved by the European Parliament – and he discussed the matter with Matt, along with Irish Farmers Journal reporter Amy Forde on last night’s show: EU set to vote on Mercosur deal today with voices in Carlow and Kilkenny mixed on potential outcome
As yesterday’s sales drew to a close at Cillín Hill, KCLR News spoke to several local farmers about Mercosur and a range of other industry issues, including: succession/generational renewal, why younger farmers need greater supports and thoughts on a positive 2025 on the price front for beef farmers.
We also spoke to Kilkenny Mart CEO Michael Lynch about Mercosur and general farming life, and that’s with whom our report begins.
Many thanks to Michael Lynch of https://kilkennymart.ie for facilitating our presence at yesterday’s sales
