IFA: Full beef package must go to hardest hit

The €100 milion Brexit beef package must be targeted to those who need it most – the farmers who have incurred beef price losses.

The €100 million Brexit beef package must be targeted to those who need it most – the farmers who have incurred beef price losses.

That was the message yesterday from Irish Farmers Association president Joe Healy, who said the money must be paid without delay and there must be no strings attached.

He said it is very clear that the farmers who sold finished cattle since last September and suckler producers are the two groups hardest hit.

IFA Livestock Committee chairman Angus Woods said under no circumstances can Agriculture Minister Michael Creed allow one cent of the funding go to factory-owned cattle or factory feedlot cattle.

Farmers who sold finished cattle through the marts must be eligible and not agents and dealers

- he said.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association Beef Committee chairman Edmund Graham said it is essential that plans and resources are in place to make sure that the money is delivered to farmers, with July 31 as the absolute deadline.

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Pat McCormack also said it is essential the details of the package are finalised immediately and payments made to farmers to provide a badly needed confidence boost for the sector.