Tough challenge ahead for farmers

IRISH farmers have been warned they can expect fierce competition in key markets, such as beef and dairy, in the years ahead.

EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel told the joint houses of the Oireachtas last week, in a speech marking Europe Day, the way to meet this challenge is to continue producing to the highest standards.

“Consumers are looking for higher quality and are becoming aware of the links between food and the environment, animal welfare and safety. Let your consumers know why your products are worth a premium,” she said.

On milk quotas, she said the strong euro against the dollar has created some problems.

“But we expected a sharper decrease in prices and the final outcome has not been that bad. However, European farmers need to think beyond butter and skim milk powder production.”

Ms Fischer Boel said there will be opportunities in new product sectors, such as biofuels.

Heads of state and government agreed at the EU spring summit that biofuels should provide 8% of Europe’s transport fuel needs by 2015.

However, the Commissioner confirmed if the Mallow sugar beet factory is converted to another use, such as ethanol production, the compensation package from the EU will be reduced.