The EU Commission looks set to row back on a draft offer allowing thousands of tonnes of South American beef to hit European shop shelves.

Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan are understood to have met last week to discuss the move. It follows mounting pressure from EU countries and farm lobby groups.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA), which staged a protest on the Mercosur trade deal this week, said they were hopeful that their objections would be listened to.