ICOS and MII dispute reasons for UK live export restrictions

Co-op umbrella group ICOS says the meat factories and large retail multiples have usurped free trade in the way they apply beef labelling regulations, a claim rejected by meat factory group Meat Industry Ireland.

ICOS says the IFA, the UK’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU), and other farmer bodies should join forces to push for live exports between Ireland and the UK.

ICOS national marts executive Ray Doyle and ICOS marts chairman Michael Spellman have just returned from meetings in England with NFU beef chairman Charles Sercombe.