ICSA disappointed at sluggish beef talks
A spokesman said there had been a commitment to a full review of the QPS scheme by mid-2015, agreed by all stakeholders attending a November roundtable.
“So far, we have heard nothing,” Mr Phelan said. “Also, there seems to be no urgency to set up the sub-group to look at bull beef production agreed at the January meeting.
“I am concerned that there is too much slippage on the commitments given. A lot of the issues that caused so many problems in 2013 haven’t gone away. Many farmers are not happy with the QPS system and the way in which it has been utilised to deprive farmers of a QAS bonus. Farmers must have the option of being paid outside of the grid but still be eligible for the bonus where applicable. This needs to be looked at in the context of the beef roundtable talks.”
The ICSA has also warned of the possible knock-on implications for the beef sector of the imminent end of EU dairy quota restrictions. It cautions that the arrival into the market of several hundred thousand extra dairy bull calves could push down factory beef prices.
