FACT CHECK: My Position on EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
I am aware of a social media post circulating with fake news in relation to my position on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. In this statement, I am re-establishing my position and I hope this clarifies the matter. During April’s plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs voted – as we do annually – on a report concerning […]
New EU animal disease strategy needed to tackle surge in outbreaks – MEP Maria Walsh
The EU’s current animal disease strategy is not fit for purpose given a recent surge in infection rates across Europe, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Maria Walsh is calling on the European Commission to update the current strategy for tackling animal diseases given the rise of infection rates in countries across the EU, including […]
Irish agriculture sector could face Brexit-level crisis as US tariffs hit – MEP Maria Walsh
The Irish agriculture sector faces new and complex trading conditions given diverging US tariffs on either side of the Irish border, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Maria Walsh is calling on the European Commission to explore the use of EU funds to protect the agriculture and food and drinks sectors from the worst of […]
Irish livestock exporters must be assured of full access to EU Single Market – MEP Maria Walsh
Irish livestock exporters must receive a guarantee that they will continue to have full access to the EU Single Market amidst a revision of live animal transport rules, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Walsh raised the concerns of Irish farmers in a meeting of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee today, during a debate on […]
Irish Government must protect agricultural sector amidst EU-US trade war – MEP Maria Walsh
As the Irish drinks industry looks set to be hit by US tariffs, the Government must prioritise the protection of our agri-food and drinks producers, MEP Maria Walsh has said. US President Donald Trump has today threatened a 200% tariff on alcohol products from the EU, including Irish whiskey. The US market currently accounts for […]
Op-Ed: The Mercosur Trade Deal is a risk for Irish farmers and standards
As the EU looks towards ratifying the Mercosur trade deal, significant concerns are growing, particularly among the many Irish farmers I meet and work with on a daily basis, writes Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. They are concerned about competing with imported products that are cheaper and produced at lower standards, threatening the livelihoods of […]
New EU agriculture plan commits to delivery of Generational Renewal Strategy in 2025 – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission today released a new plan for the agricultural sector which includes a strategy for generational renewal, as called for by MEP Maria Walsh, to be delivered this year. The Vision for Agriculture and Food includes several of MEP Walsh’s agriculture priorities including a new platform for women in farming, a work stream […]
European Commission priorities for 2025 commit to CAP simplification – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission’s commitment to CAP simplification measures will be welcomed by Irish farmers, but the devil is in the detail, MEP Maria Walsh has said. The European Commission unveiled its 2025 Work Programme in Strasbourg today, and includes 51 new initiatives and lists 37 laws and programs that are up for review over the […]
MEP Maria Walsh appointed as lead for EU-UK issues on Agriculture Committee
MEP Maria Walsh has been appointed as the standing rapporteur for UK matters on the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. In this role, MEP Walsh will steer discussions and policy on issues affecting relations between the EU and United Kingdom. The role will include engaging with agriculture stakeholders, scrutinizing the impact of shifting […]
Commission must clarify details of €1 billion Mercosur support fund for farmers – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission must outline how the proposed €1 billion Mercosur ‘safety net’ fund will help Irish farmers in practice, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Walsh raised the issue of support for farmers at a meeting of the European Parliament Agriculture Committee with Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Christophe Hansen, […]