Marts oppose export refunds move
A decision on the issue is due to be taken today at a meeting of the EU Beef Management Committee, despite objections by many member states including Ireland.
Tom Doyle, chairman of the ICOS mart committee and president of the European Livestock Marts Association (ELMA), said it is important the EU remains competitive in export markets for live animals, as well as beef, as it still needs to export both to certain markets. “This is essential to maintain strong competition in the trade, especially when EU markets are weak.”
Mr Doyle said ICOS and the ELMA had called on the Commission to withdraw its proposal. He said Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and the Department officials should oppose the proposal.
This was necessary to ensure competitiveness on all export markets. Otherwise the EU will be conceding markets to competitors and weakening the internal EU market price for beef and live cattle.
The EU Commissioner for agriculture and rural development Mariann Fischer Boel said now is the right time to put an end to these exports refunds. “The outlook for our own beef market is positive and therefore no longer justifies the continuation of this support to our farmers,” she said, urging member states to back the measure.
However, Minister Mary Coughlan said she strenuously objected to the Commission’s intention to eliminate the export refunds.
