The EU–Mercosur Trade Deal is one of the most topical and high-risk issues currently affecting Irish agriculture. While it does not appear explicitly in the textbook, it directly links to multiple learning outcomes in the Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science specification, particularly Policy & Economics, Sustainability, and Scientific Practices.
 
Topics like this are frequently examined in the June paper. The SEC consistently assesses students on current agricultural issues, especially where economic pressures, environmental sustainability, and Irish farm systems intersect. For this reason, the EU–Mercosur deal is widely expected to feature in mock papers and the Leaving Certificate exam, either as a structured question or within a synoptic context.
 
This resource is designed to ensure students can:
Clearly explain what the deal is
Understand why it matters for Irish farming
Confidently answer exam questions that require discussion, evaluation, and informed judgement
 
 
What’s Included
 
1. Comprehensive Revision Slideshow
15-slide, exam-focused presentation
This slideshow breaks down a complex international trade agreement into clear, student-friendly explanations, using correct Agricultural Science terminology throughout.
 
 
The slides cover:
 
What the EU–Mercosur deal is and who is involved
How tariffs and quotas work in agricultural trade
Why agriculture, particularly beef, is central to the deal
Ireland’s specific exposure as a grass-based beef producer
The concept of the uneven playing field
Economic impacts on farm income and price pressure
Environmental impacts, including deforestation and carbon leakage
Animal welfare, traceability, and food standards
Winners and losers across sectors
How to structure an exam-ready answer using this topic
 
The slideshow is:
Fully aligned with the LC Agricultural Science specification
Suitable for class teaching, revision, or independent study
Ideal for explaining a non-textbook but exam-relevant issue
 
2. Exam-Style Worksheet
Designed to mirror SEC questioning style
The accompanying worksheet allows students to actively test their understanding and practise exam techniques.
It includes:
10 True or False questions (with tick boxes)
10 Multiple Choice questions (with tick boxes)
10 Short Answer questions using exam command verbs
3 Long Answer questions modelled on structured and synoptic exam questions
The worksheet focuses on:
Policy and economics in Irish agriculture
Sustainability and environmental evaluation
Evidence-based judgement, as required by the Scientific Practices strand
This makes it ideal for:
Homework
Revision classes
 Exam preparation
Teacher-led assessment