CAP reform will force beef plant closures, says expert

SIGNIFICANT closure of Irish beef plants is on the cards following the swinging CAP reform proposals announced in Brussels on Wednesday, a leading expert has predicted.

In the past five years the number of processors has increased from 37 to 45 in this country, despite efforts by Enterprise Ireland and the industry to streamline the sector in the interest of profitability.

However, the Fischler plan is likely to shake up the industry, Brian Britton, managing director of Britton Consultants, warned yesterday.