Food strategy must serve modern consumers

SEVERAL months back the meat sector was buzzing with rumours of impending agreement on rationalisation of the beef sector.

First mooted in 1998 after a major report commissioned by Enterprise Ireland and carried out by US international consultants, McKinsey, it proposed 25% takeout of capacity with substantial compensation for those exiting the industry.

One of the difficulties at the time was that big players such as Larry Goodman could have been one of the biggest gainers under the compensation package while having his position strengthened as a processor under the controversial plan.