Reduction in prices gap a cause for concern

MORE and more farmers are expressing concern at the narrowing gap between organic and conventional prices.

For organic beef, while prices of up to €4.40 per kg were reported in the spring, farmers are now talking about €4 — the same price as 2008, and marginally higher than 2007’s €3.80.

Farmers are disappointed with organic beef prices, and link it to Good Herdsman and AIBP now controlling most of the processing market, with organic meat processor Good Herdsman at least partially, and possibly up to 50%, owned by AIBP.