Min for Agriculture to meet NI counterpart to discuss Beef sector – D’Arcy

Fine Gael Senator, Jim D’Arcy has welcomed the invitation placed by Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD to his Northern Irish counterpart Michelle O’Neill to discuss the beef sector.

“I am very pleased that Minister Coveney has invited Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill to Dublin as there have been a number of issues affecting beef farmers north and south of the border that should be discussed. As a border county, Louth has been particularly affected by this issue.

“There have been ongoing problems for beef farmers this year, especially for those who trade between North and South. Farmers who traditionally sell animals in Northern Ireland for slaughter are being impacted by a demand from retailers for produce to be labelled either Irish or British. This has resulted in a drop in demand for Irish animals from Northern processors.

“Labelling of beef is a complex issue and both Ministers have made it clear that decisions must be based on what is legally possible, and what is best for farmers and consumers. However, in the case of meat from animals exported live from the Republic for slaughter in Northern Ireland, there is a strong case to be made for marketing it in Britain on an equal footing with beef born reared and slaughtered in the Republic. While the marketing of beef in retail outlets is ultimately a commercial decision, both Ministers agreed to make a joint approach to UK retailers on this matter with a view to finding solutions.

“In addition a fall in beef prices has hit farmers hard. Ireland is not alone in suffering from the drop in prices. This is a problem across the UK and Europe and it has come about due to a change in demand, the availability of alternatives on the market and strategies used by retailers to purchase produce.

“Beef farmers have been loud in their call for action on this issue and I am pleased that the Minister has heard their calls and is taking decisive action. The problems affecting Irish farmers are also impacting on producers in Northern Ireland, therefore I feel very positive that this joined up approach is the best chance we have of reaching a positive solution for farmers both sides of the border.”