Ireland voted against the trade deal with the South American trading bloc, largely due to the opposition of Irish farmers, but most EU member states support it.

MEPs today voted 483-102, with 67 abstentions, in favour of extra safeguards which would allow the EU to temporarily suspend tariff preferences on agricultural imports from the Mercosur countries if a surge in these imports harms EU producers.

The European Commission would be obliged to investigate the need for protection measures when imports of sensitive agricultural products, including poultry, beef, eggs, citrus and sugar increased by five per cent on a three-year average and if, at the same time, import prices are five per cent below the relevant domestic price.

An investigation may also be requested by a member state, or a natural or legal person representing the industry, or an association acting on behalf of the industry, in the event of a threat of serious injury to the industry concerned.

At least once every six months, the Commission will have to present a report to Parliament assessing the impact of imports of sensitive products.

Gabriel Mato, the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Mercosur, said: “The safeguards will ensure that the EU-Mercosur agreement is accompanied by a balanced and credible protection mechanism for our agricultural sector.

“They strengthen market monitoring, introduce clear and objective criteria to detect disruptions, and allow for faster action for sensitive products when there are indications of harm.

“They will provide farmers with stability and predictability, while preserving the overall balance of the agreement.”

The European Court of Justice is currently in the process of assessing whether the EU-Mercosur agreement is in conformity with the EU treaties, following a referral by the European Parliament in January.