Farmers praise export refund hikes
The increase was announced yesterday by Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh. An increase in the advance payments of cattle premia from 60% to 80% was also announced.
IFA president John Dillon said the increase in the export refunds will effectively kick-start Irish beef exports to Egypt. "The factories must reflect this important improvement in the market by responding with an immediate increase in cattle prices, which could defuse the dispute between livestock farmers and the meat factories."
John Smith, chief executive, Irish Meat Association (IMA), representing the processors, said the EU Commission, in granting the refund increase, recognises the substantial additional veterinary and related costs that are associated with the Egyptian market. Mr Walsh said the special Egyptian refund rate is on average 22% above the normal refund and for some cuts is as high as 30%.
