EU talks could determine if beef farming has a future

Interest in CAP reform may pick up, after the warning from experts at Rabobank that the reform may move prime beef production from north-western Europe to southern and eastern Europe.

As a result, jobs in Irish beef factories are at stake — which will grab the attention of our politicians faster than any amount of farm organisation statements pointing out that cattle farmers here are bankrolled and kept in business by the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy).

What is at stake was illustrated by the welcome announcement of 100 new jobs last week in meat processing and consumer foods marketing at Kepak, Watergrasshill, Co Cork.