The Monaghan branch of the IFA now attend Monaghan County Council meetings on a more regular basis to highlight issues pertaining to farming in the county. At the most recent Council meeting an IFA delegation explained and highlighted to councillors how the proposed Mercosur trade deal will impact on poultry farming in the county. The deal between the EU and South America would allow the free export and import of certain goods between the two regions, including beef and chicken meat.
Patrick McCormick is IFA National Treasurer and a poultry farmer from County Monaghan. He was part of the delegation to this month's Council meeting and explained the stark challenges facing Monaghan farmers if Mercosur is passed by MEPs.