North West farmers express concerns over EU approval of the Mercosur deal

The EU's approval of the Mercosur deal has led to concern among farmers in the North West.The deal would allow South American beef to enter Ireland at reduced costs, undercutting the efforts of Irish farmers, particularly those in this region.There are also worries around the safety of South American beef with it not being subject to the same health checks as in Ireland and the EU.Leitrim farmer Patrick Rooney, who is a representative of the Irish Beef and Lamb Association, says that the North West's agriculture sector could be destroyed: