Producer organisations key, says Coveney

Producer organisations with up to 5,000 to 10,000 beef farmers each, which will negotiate prices with processors, and help farmers get beef specifications right, will be the most significant change in the beef sector in the next few years, predicts Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

He said the basic current problem in the Irish beef sector is a 12% rise in beef production on the supply side, and falling or flat beef consumption on the demand side, resulting in a depressed beef market. He said he has no problem with an Irish label for beef from cattle north and south, if EU country of origin rules are respected.