Conference hears of importance of co-operative marts to agri-sector

THERE has never been a more important time for co-operative marts, a conference was told in Fermoy, Co Cork, yesterday.

Michael Spellman, chairman of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society’s Marts Committee, said he was very optimistic for the future of the livestock industry and the agri-sector generally.

“We have seen record levels of young farmers enrolling in our agricultural colleges. This fact, coupled with better beef prices, signals a brighter future for the livestock industry in particular,” he said.

Mr Spellman, speaking at the inaugural ICOS Marts Committee conference, said a greater number of farmers have a more full-time involvement in the industry.

“The fall off in construction jobs has illustrated the steady returns available to full-time farmers and more farmers are now concentrating on building up their farm businesses.

“For far too long we have listened to commentators singing the demise of our livestock sectors. They were wrong then and they are wrong now,” he said.

Mr Spellman said European consumers are demanding a top quality beef product which Ireland can deliver.

“In these nervous times the mart remains one of the best methods for which payment for livestock is guaranteed.

“We are listening to the numerous threats to our businesses for the years ahead, but we can also be encouraged by the numerous opportunities the future shape of the world will spin off for our beef and lamb sectors.

“Irish farmers have seen off the challenges of Brazilian imports and the WTO but we must be fully aware of future threats to our businesses, especially via possible carbon emissions constraints that could possibly be forced upon us,” he said.