The IFA wants farmers to boycott the letter sent by Larry Goodman’s ABP regarding the opt-in EIF levy collection proposal. The letters have caused a deep rift between ABP and the IFA.
“ABP is no longer authorised to collect the European Involvement Fund (EIF) levy and farmers who receive letters from ABP should not return them,” Joe Healy said.
Healy added that ABP are “isolated” in their action.
“It is business as usual, with other collectors happy to continue with the current arrangement,” he said.
It’s a continuation of the war of words between Ireland’s largest beef processor and Ireland’s largest farm organisation, which the IFA says is due to its trenchant opposition to the proposed Slaney/ABP deal. ABP moved on the levies on Wednesday last, the morning after it met with the IFA.
“ABP only raised two issues with us: the Slaney deal and their collection of the IFA levy,” said Healy. “This proves their only motivation was to hit back at IFA and try to damage the association.”
The report the IFA commissioned to analyse the purchase by ABP of a 50% share in Slaney Meats/ICM had been seen by ABP. It was authored by a leading competition economist, and submitted to the European Competitions Commissioner in Brussels, whom the IFA wants to halt the proposed deal on the grounds that it will give Larry Goodman undue influence over cattle prices in Ireland.
As part of the process undertaken by the Competitions Commission, a copy of the report was sent to ABP. The IFA believes that this provoked ABP into changing the levy system from the opt-out system that has been in operation since 1972 to an opt-in system, requiring signed authorisation from every ABP cattle supplier to deduct the levy. The IFA and ICMSA stand to lose €500,000 a year from the suspension of ABP from levy collection, but Healy believes an important principle is at stake.
“It is clear that farmers are angry over the level of Goodman control of the beef sector and will not tolerate his interference. Everybody I talk to says a strong IFA was never more important to represent farmers given the income pressures across all sectors. We will not be deflected from our work, and we will not allow any interference in our representation of farmers.”
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Levies back under scrutiny two months after June approval of status quo
Ongoing dispute sparks big reaction from farmers
Larry and the levies: the IFA responds
Larry Goodman and the IFA - a history
The governance of all farm organisations
Editorial: ABP must now deliver full transparency
The IFA wants farmers to boycott the letter sent by Larry Goodman’s ABP regarding the opt-in EIF levy collection proposal. The letters have caused a deep rift between ABP and the IFA.
“ABP is no longer authorised to collect the European Involvement Fund (EIF) levy and farmers who receive letters from ABP should not return them,” Joe Healy said.
Healy added that ABP are “isolated” in their action.
“It is business as usual, with other collectors happy to continue with the current arrangement,” he said.
It’s a continuation of the war of words between Ireland’s largest beef processor and Ireland’s largest farm organisation, which the IFA says is due to its trenchant opposition to the proposed Slaney/ABP deal. ABP moved on the levies on Wednesday last, the morning after it met with the IFA.
“ABP only raised two issues with us: the Slaney deal and their collection of the IFA levy,” said Healy. “This proves their only motivation was to hit back at IFA and try to damage the association.”
The report the IFA commissioned to analyse the purchase by ABP of a 50% share in Slaney Meats/ICM had been seen by ABP. It was authored by a leading competition economist, and submitted to the European Competitions Commissioner in Brussels, whom the IFA wants to halt the proposed deal on the grounds that it will give Larry Goodman undue influence over cattle prices in Ireland.
As part of the process undertaken by the Competitions Commission, a copy of the report was sent to ABP. The IFA believes that this provoked ABP into changing the levy system from the opt-out system that has been in operation since 1972 to an opt-in system, requiring signed authorisation from every ABP cattle supplier to deduct the levy. The IFA and ICMSA stand to lose €500,000 a year from the suspension of ABP from levy collection, but Healy believes an important principle is at stake.
“It is clear that farmers are angry over the level of Goodman control of the beef sector and will not tolerate his interference. Everybody I talk to says a strong IFA was never more important to represent farmers given the income pressures across all sectors. We will not be deflected from our work, and we will not allow any interference in our representation of farmers.”
Read more
Analysis: €50m in levies taken from farmers
Levies back under scrutiny two months after June approval of status quo
Industry not following Goodman's lead
Levy collectors must stand over their accounts - Bergin
Levies back under scrutiny two months after June approval of status quo
Ongoing dispute sparks big reaction from farmers
Larry and the levies: the IFA responds
Larry Goodman and the IFA - a history
The governance of all farm organisations
Editorial: ABP must now deliver full transparency
SHARING OPTIONS