Brazilian beef protest ends pending talks
Up to 300 farmers staged a lightening protest at QK Meats, a Queally Group company, which it alleged is importing Brazilian beef. A smaller group of farmers occupied an office building seeking discussions with management, as gardaí monitored the situation.
In a statement, the Queally Group said the offices of Dawn Farm Foods, a member company, were unlawfully occupied by Irish Farming Association (IFA) president John Dillon, and other officers and members of the association, causing disruption to the company’s business.
“We understand the IFA has claimed that certain companies in the Queally Group import Brazilian beef and re-sell it as Irish beef. This claim has no substance and is categorically untrue,” the statement said.
The Queally Group said no prior request was received from the IFA for a meeting. It was regrettable the association had chosen to adopt this approach.
IFA leader John Dillon earlier accused meat factories and processors who are trading in South American beef of stabbing Irish livestock farmers in the back.
Mr Dillon said the meat factories had cut cattle prices by €150 per head since June, leaving 50,000 beef farmers in a loss making situation.
As the protest took place, the prospects of Irish beef exports to Egypt were boosted with an announcement by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan that a protocol setting out the conditions for the export of Irish beef to Egypt had been signed.
Ms Coughlan said she now hoped the trade would exploit this opportunity.
Ciaran Fitzgerald, Meat Industry Ireland, representing processors, said improved access to Egypt was very welcome, but the industry is still concerned that following the drastic cut in export refunds in June (20%) Irish beef may not be competitive.
As Brazil is currently shipping significant quantities of beef to the Egyptian market as well as to the EU, it will take some time to establish whether new trade can take place, he said.
