Support for Moves to Change Cattle Age Limit

Cattle

IFA National Livestock Chairman, Henry Burns has confirmed that Bord Bia are fully supportive of removing the restrictive 30-month age limit on prime beef.

He said Aidan Cotter told the IFA Executive Council this week that there was no resistance from a market point of view on 36 months.

Henry Burns said, combined with the positive news on Irelands BSE status due from the OIE in May, Minister Coveney needs to lead the move at the Beef Forum to get rid of the 30 month age limit, which is being unfairly used by the factories against farmers every year.

Addressing issues on Quality Assurance audits, Henry Burns said Aidan Cotter made it clear that Bord Bia is open and flexible as to how the schemes are designed and run. He said Bord Bia is committed to maintaining maximum farmer participation in the schemes and added that the beef and lamb scheme is being reviewed.

On live exports, Henry Burns said IFA is very strong that there is a real need for more competition and Bord Bia needs to increase their supports for the sector. Aidan Cotter said live exports are a keystone for farmers and they are very supportive of the trade.

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