Price of meat likely to increase

THE price of meat is likely to rise as a result of changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, according to a study commissioned by the Department of Agriculture.

Department officials told a Dáil committee yesterday that retail and producer prices for meat would rise by up to 21%, following an initial drop in prices due to a temporary oversupply of meat on the market.

The study by FAPRI Ireland suggests that:

* Cattle prices will fall by 8% next year but would eventually rise 8% above the baseline level by 2010.

* Sheepmeat prices would fall 15% in 2004, but would rise 21% above the baseline level by 2010

* Small increases in poultry and pigmeat prices, as a result of other increases.

However, officials said these projected increases arising from decoupling may not arise depending on the outcome of the World Trade Organisation talks.

The FAPRI study did not factor in the scenario of tariff reductions, significantly increasing access by Third World countries to EU markets.

Labour's consumer affairs spokesperson, Kathleen Lynch, said consumers had been ignored by the Department.

"How can the Department of Agriculture claim to represent both groups? There's no way the same department can bat for the two teams," she said.

Department officials, however, said a consumer panel within the Department were acting as advocates for consumers.