IFA: Farmers getting less for beef but cost up in shops

The Irish Farmers’ Association has claimed a growing divergence between the incomes of beef farmers and the prices consumers are paying is evidence "of the collusion between processors and retailers to cream off excessive margins for themselves".

The IFA said it had compiled figures which showed meat factories “have no justification” for continuing to withhold higher market returns to beef farmers.

It said for the 12 weeks to the middle of September, the volume of beef sales in Britain was up 4.1% and price went up 3.3%.