Meat processors signal further flexibility on weight specifications

Meat processors have now indicated that they are open to showing further flexibility on cattle weight specifications, Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister, Simon Coveney revealed yesterday.

Mr Coveney — having earlier had separate discussions with the Irish Farmers Association and retailers — met the previous evening with representatives of the beef processing industry to discuss the ongoing issues affecting the sector.

While recognising the need for market orientation, he said he urged processors to consider the need to restore confidence among producers in order to protect the long-term viability of the industry, which makes a vital contribution to the rural, national and export economy.