IFA protests over defence forces’ contract with North chicken processor

THE sourcing of chicken for thedefence forces from a processor outside the state which is not accredited to the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme was sharply criticised yesterday.

A protest was mounted by the Irish Farmers Association outside the Dublin offices of Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and his department.

IFA deputy president Derek Deane said what was done was a national disgrace. It had dealt a major body blow to the Irish poultry industry.

Following the protest, he said Mr O’Dea agreed to meet with the IFA next week to discuss its concerns.

“While we appreciate the minister agreeing to meet us on this matter, he and the other Government ministers must take immediate action to redress this situation and defend Irish jobs,” he said.

It was revealed last week that the Defence Forces had agreed a contract with Crossgar Foods in Seaforde, Co Down, to provide fresh poultry products on a daily basis to 18 military locations countrywide at a cost of €350,000.

According to the tender award notice, the contract was given to the Northern Ireland firm because it offered the lowest price of the nine companies which had expressed an interest.

A subsequent statement from the Department of Defence said the military authorities had clarified that the tender competition was advertised and assessed in accordance with standard procedures.

But at yesterday’s IFA protest, Mr Deane said Mr O’Dea should be acutely aware of the impact of such a decision.

Poultry farmers in his own county of Limerick lost their livelihoods with the closure of Kantoher and Castlemahon Poultry Products in recent years.

“These factories closed down because of the devastating effects that imported chicken meat has had on the whole Irish poultry sector over the last five years.

“I am aghast he has learned nothing from this experience,” he said.

IFA Poultry Committee chairman Ned Morrissey said this recent decision not to support indigenous Irish business shows the Government and its officials are out of touch with the difficulties of the poultry sector.

“Surely when jobs are being lost all over the country, it is more important than ever that those in power lead by example and support indigenous production.

“Poultry meat in this country is produced to the highest standards and is responsible for over 2,500 jobs between production, processing and subsidiary industries,” he said.

Mr Morrissey said there should be an instruction to all Government agencies to ensure that food procurement specifies Bord Bia Quality Assured product when it is available.

“We also need to see the implementation of a range of measures by the Government to improve competitiveness and help Irish industry compete fairly.

“As things stand we are expected to produce to first-world standards and survive on third-world prices,” he said.

The output of the Irish poultry industry at producer prices last year was valued at €158 million. Retail sales were valued at €229m.

Irish poultry meat exports, including value added products amounted to €201m at factory/manufacturers’ prices.