ICSA calls for clarity from ABP on Cahir upgrade

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has called on ABP to outline what the new gel bone processing process in the €50m upgrade of its Cahir, Co Tipperary plants will do in terms of better beef prices for livestock farmers.

Last week, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Jobs Minister Richard Bruton officially opened the redeveloped state-of-the-art facility, which includes the new gel bone production plant, the first of its kind in Ireland and Britain.

The company said it will provide added-value opportunities for bovine bones in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries. ICSA president Patrick Kent said it is essential that the rewards from this potentially exciting and lucrative revenue stream need to be shared fairly between ABP and hard-pressed beef farmers.