Retailer price cuts 'undermine efforts of Irish farmers' 

ICSA beef chairman John Cleary said Aldi's "assertion that their price cuts will not affect their suppliers is simply unacceptable".

"The reality is that these price cuts directly impact the bottom line of our farmers, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods and maintain the high standards of quality and welfare that consumers expect."

Cutting the prices of Irish beef and lamb in shops "directly undermines the efforts and livelihoods of Irish farmers", a farm organisation has warned.

Reacting to Aldi's announcement this week of a suite of price cuts across a further 81 products including beef and lamb, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has said that "unrealistic expectations" are being perpetuated.