IFA up early to slam Brussels

The Irish Farmers Association has slammed the failure of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels to agree to balance the beef market in the wake of BSE.

Farmers say Minister Joe Walsh must ensure that any alternative to the Purchase for Destruct Scheme will maintain Irish cattle prices.

IFA President Tom Parlon said this morning there can be no move made on a commitment that prices would not slip below 90p per pound.