Farmers, factories seek to resolve beef issues
IFA president, Eddie Downey, said: “IFA has requested Minister Coveney to get the Department of Agriculture to arrange and chair an immediate meeting in line with the procedure agreed in the Beef Forum on this issue. Both IFA and MII consider it is very important that the Department of Agriculture be involved in this process.”
Mr Downey said IFA has raised issues with the minister where some meat plants have imposed dual base prices around non-quality assured stock, and weight penalties contrary to what was agreed at the beef forum. He asked the minister to take up this issue with MII and the factories.
Mr Coveney said: “Any delay in implementing the [beef forum] provisions can only serve to undermine both the forum and the fragile confidence. Processors have agreed that there will be no dual base pricing for steers and heifers in individual plants regardless of breed, age, weight or quality assurance status. This is an essential element in ensuring that farmers have confidence in the transparency and clarity of the pricing system.”
Following the beef forum, MII said the future for Irish beef remains positive, adding that the roundtable process offers the appropriate forum for discussions on a range of aspects that concern the sector.
Cattle prices are stable, with factories paying 5c to 10c over quoted prices; the average R3 steer price is €3.94/kg, with top prices paid of €4.04/4.05 including bonuses.
