Forum will prepare plans for future of beef industry

A FORUM is being set up to examine the €1.5 billion Irish beef sector and prepare a framework for its future development.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan announced the move last night in light of the “prevailing opportunities and challenges” facing the industry, which involves 100,000 livestock farmers, and workers in the processing and service sectors.

Producers, processors and relevant state agencies, as well as independent experts, will be represented on the forum, which will be chaired by Jim Beecher of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is expected to report before next summer.

Ms Coughlan said there has been significant change in the international food environment recently.

Experts worldwide are examining the extent to which traditional supply patterns will be sufficient to meet the growing demand. Food producing and exporting countries are looking again at their structures.

In that context there was a need to take another view of the Irish beef sector and to ensure that it is poised to withstand any threats and to avail of any new opportunities.

She said the beef sector is hugely important within Ireland’s overall food industry and the Government has reflected this in its commitments both at farm and processing level.