Beef sector reliant on higher value European market

THE country’s beef industry, which recorded exports worth €1.6 billion last year, is now totally reliant on the higher value European market, the first meeting of the new Beef Forum was told in Dublin yesterday.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan, who set up the forum, said it is crucial to equip it to deal with the various diverse challenges facing it and position it to capitalise on opportunities.

Last year Ireland exported 523,000 tonnes of beef — 97% destined for the European market where quality of product and efficiency of the supply chain are essential components.

While beef exports to the European Union increased marginally in volume terms last year, their value fell marginally, as a result of a sluggish EU market. In the short term, the increasing EU shortfall in beef production combined with a potential moderation in import levels, following EU restrictions on Brazilian imports will likely see a strengthening of beef prices.

The minister said ongoing WTO negotiations are crucial from our perspective.

She was confident a number of sectoral measures and supports will place the industry in a better position to meet head-on the ongoing challenges posed in an ever-changing environment.

These include a €50 million capital scheme for the beef and lamb processing sectors which should trigger €120m of investments.

The Beef Forum, chaired by Jim Beecher of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, includes representatives of producers, processors and relevant state agencies, as well as independent experts. It will set out a framework for the development of the industry.