Call for action on beef crisis

ICSA beef chairman Edmond Phelan has set out key issues that must be resolved in any talks between farm organisations and the meat industry.

“Meat factories and supermarkets are very much mistaken if they think that the inevitable beef price rise when cattle get scarce will soften up farmers at this stage.

“Equally, a temporary ceasefire on weight limits for bulls will not be enough to restore confidence to the suckler and quality cattle sector. There is too much anger among farmers at the way in which they have been ripped off to the tune of some €168m over the past 12 months while UK consumers continue to pay the same price at retail level. A complete root and branch review of pricing structures is now required.”