ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan has said the surge in global fuel prices highlights the need for Europe to prioritise bioethanol imports over unnecessary beef imports from Brazil.

"Events in the Middle East have upended energy markets in a matter of days, and we are seeing fuel prices skyrocketing. Ireland already uses some bioethanol in our petrol (E10), and it's clear we should be looking to increase both the supply and use of bioethanol in our transport fuels, to meet renewable energy targets and reduce dependence on volatile global oil markets," he said.

 Continuing, Mr Phelan said, "If the European Commission is determined to expand trade with Brazil, it should focus on sectors that do not harm vulnerable farm enterprises. Bioethanol is a product we cannot produce at scale ourselves and one that directly supports Europe's energy needs. That is the kind of trade flow that makes sense. What does not make sense is sacrificing rural livelihoods and the backbone of our rural economies to import beef we do not need."

 He said it is reckless for the European Commission to push ahead with Mercosur before it has been properly scrutinised by the Court of Justice and debated and voted on by the European Parliament. "This deal should not move another inch until that scrutiny and parliamentary debate are complete. At a time when fuel costs are soaring, it makes far more sense for Europe to focus on importing products we actually need, such as bioethanol, rather than flooding already vulnerable beef markets with imports we do not need. At this time, it is vital to prioritise our own food production and food security, while also improving Europe's energy security."