IFA to highlight farm incomes

The Irish Farmers Association has called on the Minister for Agriculture to address the issue of farm incomes, ahead of today's "beef summit" in Dublin.

Farmers and factories are expected to be told to produce better quality beef to meet changing export demands at the meeting.

However according to the IFA's national livestock chairman, Derek Dean, the issue of farm incomes is the crucial point that needs to be addressed.

He said: "We have real concerns that the industry, by getting further compacted, may even manage prices further.

"Obviously any investment of tax payers money will have to bring benefits for producers in terms of leaving us viable and leaving us with an income comparable to out counterparts across Europe."