Beef, Business and a Brussels Bust-Up

A long-running European trade deal is heading for a crunch moment, and it’s sparked one of the loudest rows in Irish politics in years. As EU ambassadors prepare to move on the EU–Mercosur agreement, farmers are warning it could flood the market with cheaper meat – especially beef and poultry from Brazil – and undermine rural livelihoods. A major protest is planned in Athlone this weekend, with farming groups urging the government to stand firm. But Irish business sees a very different picture, arguing the deal could open doors for exporters and protect Ireland’s place in a volatile global economy. Today on the podcast, Shane Beatty hears both sides of the argument. First, Agriland editor Stella Meehan explains why farmers are so deeply opposed. Then, Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot makes the case for why business wants the deal done. And along the way, we ask a question many listeners are quietly thinking about: could more competition actually help hard-pressed shoppers? A trade deal, a political headache — and a country divided.