Cattle

IFA Comment on Factory Protests

IFA’s National Council debated the current beef and farm income crisis at its most recent meeting on July 19th.

IFA President Joe Healy said several different strategies were discussed. The Council considered many factors including the current beef price and depressed market conditions across Europe and in the UK, and the increasing risk of a ‘no deal’ Brexit on October 31st.

“While the Council fully understands the frustration and anger of beef farmers, the view was that the best strategy at this time to get further meaningful results for our members is to continue to focus our lobbying efforts on the EU institutions and the Irish Government. This approach secured €100m, which will be very welcome for suckler and beef farmers despite the inclusion of some unnecessary restrictions,” he said.

The following urgent measures are being sought by IFA:

  • An immediate ban on all substandard South American beef imports;
  • A further fund to compensate farmers who supplied cattle post May 12th, 2019 and are currently losing €4m per week on beef prices;
  • €1bn Brexit fund of market supports and direct aid for farmers;
  • An EU campaign to promote our environmentally sustainable EU beef production.

As individuals, IFA members are free to make their own decisions regarding the current factory protests or to withhold their cattle and sheep. However, farmers who need to sell their cattle or sheep should be allowed to do so.

IFA wrote to the Beef Plan Group on July 10th. We made it clear that we were in favour of farmer unity and that we would be happy to engage with them. We have not received a reply to date.

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