Talks aim to restore lamb returns
There was a commitment to work towards recovery in returns to producers at direct talks between representatives for both producers, represented by IFA and processors represented by Meat Industry Ireland on Thursday evening, but the outcome of the meeting lacked any assurance of immediate improvement in returns to producers.
Yesterday the factory quotes ranged 420-412 cents/kg (150p-147p/lb) compared to a top quote of 406 cents/kg (145p/lb) last week, but well below the 475 cents/kg (170p/lb) which was on the table after the farmer protest at the factories last month.
Producers will wait with some anxiety for the announcement of the quotes for next week on Monday in the hope that the commitment from the meeting on Thursday will deliver higher prices.
Cormac Healy of Meat Industry Ireland said of the meeting: “There was a full discussion on the difficult market conditions that had affected both producers and processors over recent weeks and a major focus on how to work towards ensuring a viable future for both producers and processor in the sector.
“Both sides agreed on the need for continued dialogue to ensure greater understanding of respective positions and to advance a positive agenda for the lamb sector in Ireland.”
Larry Fallon, chairman of the IFA National Sheep Committee, insists the cut in prices in recent weeks, during which producers have experienced a drop of €1.40/kg, has not been justified by the market returns and that currently lamb is fetching €440-€460 on the markets, but the return is not getting back to producers.
