Hogan denies EU offered South Americans access for 98,000t of beef

The European Union is pushing to conclude free trade talks with South American bloc Mercosur by the end of the year,  despite reservations from a number of Member States over the surge of farm imports an agreement would bring.

At the last round of negotiations the EU is understood to have offered to allow 70,000t of beef and 600,000t of ethanol to enter the EU with lower tariffs.

Speaking following a meeting of European Agriculture Ministers in Brussels yesterday, Commissioner Hogan said confirmed the EU’s commitment to a balanced, comprehensive and ambitious agreement.

“There is another round of discussions taking place this week. Work remains to be done not least of issues of key interest to the EU.

“I want to assure all concerned that every offer of sensitive products made by the EU is calibrated by taking account of all relevant elements including the cumulative impact and effect of past and future free trade agreements.”

Hogan said there is no substance what so ever to the 98,000t that was allegedly offered to Mercosur.

However, the Minister for Agriculture and farming organisations said they were concerned about the prospect of a trade deal.

Farm Ireland