Farm confidence in beef grading system being restored, says Smith

FARMER confidence in the mechanical classification systems for grading Irish beef is being gradually restored by regular monitoring of the system in operation, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith.

Speaking in reply to an Oireachtas question by Labour Party TD Pat Rabbitte, Mr Smith said that confidence had been boosted by an increased frequency of control visits by department officials, enhanced monitoring of control and classification results, and by formal self-checks of machines in each meat plant.

He also cited training of factory operatives on the operation of machines, and enhanced communications between stakeholders.

Mr Rabbitte had said: “I would like to ask the minister the measures he has taken to improve farmer confidence in the beef carcass classification system; his views on whether these machines are being operated correctly at all times; and to comment on the deficiencies that have been found by his inspectors in the past.”

There are now 23 machines operating in beef plants accounting for over 90% of the national kill. In most cases the classification results form the basis for payment to farmers, making it essential that the machines are working correctly at all times. Mr Smith said the meat plants have a responsibility to ensure that the machines are maintained and serviced on a regular basis to ensure optimum performance of the classification machines.

Mr Smith said: “Since the introduction in 2004/2005 of mechanical classification of beef carcasses, the performance of the classification machine in each beef processing plant is monitored by regular unannounced inspections by officials of my department.

“The classification results previously allocated to beef carcasses are downloaded from the mechanical classification system onto a handheld computer and the official assesses the results of at least 80 carcasses previously classified by the machine. This assessment of the classification for both conformation and fat is carried out using sub-classes for each main class.”

Mr Smith said that the performance of the machine is determined using the same scoring criteria as laid down in the EU regulation for authorisation purposes. If a machine is found to be operating outside the limits provided for in the EU regulations the plant is not permitted to use the machine for classification purposes until it has been examined and repaired by an engineer. It must also be re-checked by department officials before it can be used to classify carcasses following any work carried out by the engineer.

Mr Smith said that following discussions with department officials and various stakeholders involved in beef carcass classification measures have been introduced to enhance controls and procedures with the aim of ensuring the effective operation of the mechanical classification system.