In statement, Minister Coveney described the discussions as “honest and constructive”. As outlined in the Irish Farmers Journal, the beef sector as a whole will be held more accountable as a result of quarterly roundtable meetings chaired by Minister Coveney. This was step one of a seven pronged approach announced following the two and a half hour discussions that took place today.
The aim of these quarterly meetings will be to exchange information on recent market developments and forecast particularly on supply, demand, prices, product, spec and any changes at that may have taken place at retail level. In a nutshell these meetings will increase communication.
Other steps:
Step two: Michael Dowling Chairman of the beef Activation Group has been requested to review implementation of the Group’s report by engaging with all stakeholders and consider any additional actions, including the possible role of long-term contracts, with a view to reporting back to the Minister by end of May. Michael Dowling said “this is essentially a midterm review with everything in the beef activation report up for discussion. After that we have until the end of May to reflect and analyse with a view to reporting to the Minister and the wider group. The issue of contracts will be a significant part of that analysis.”.
Step three: A “Beef Pricewatch” online tool is set to be launched with the aim of making information more available to farmers.
Step four: Through the TAMS scheme DAFM will prioritise targeted on-farm capital investments such as weighing equipment to allow farmers to refine beef production system.
Step five: A further €500,000 will be allocated to Bord Bia to intensify and target promotion of Irish beef through its Bord Bia beef campaign in the UK and certain continental EU markets.
Step six: Teagasc are set to increase efforts to assist farmers maximising on-farm efficiencies through lowering input costs and increasing output value to deliver a better margin for suckler farmers. This assistance will include advice on adapting to market specifications.
Step seven: The Minister also undertook to engage further with his Northern counterpart, Michelle O’Neill, following today’s discussions on issues relevant to sector including trade.
Following the meeting, IFA President Eddie Downey said he welcomed the commitment of the Minister to seek solutions to beef specification concerns, contracts and premiums for winter finishing, restrictions on cattle movements and North/South trade issues as a priority.
Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec group representing the Irish beef processing industry, said the formal communication platform agreed upon at the meeting improved market signalling and communications around market requirements and specifications.
In statement, Minister Coveney described the discussions as “honest and constructive”. As outlined in the Irish Farmers Journal, the beef sector as a whole will be held more accountable as a result of quarterly roundtable meetings chaired by Minister Coveney. This was step one of a seven pronged approach announced following the two and a half hour discussions that took place today.
The aim of these quarterly meetings will be to exchange information on recent market developments and forecast particularly on supply, demand, prices, product, spec and any changes at that may have taken place at retail level. In a nutshell these meetings will increase communication.
Other steps:
Step two: Michael Dowling Chairman of the beef Activation Group has been requested to review implementation of the Group’s report by engaging with all stakeholders and consider any additional actions, including the possible role of long-term contracts, with a view to reporting back to the Minister by end of May. Michael Dowling said “this is essentially a midterm review with everything in the beef activation report up for discussion. After that we have until the end of May to reflect and analyse with a view to reporting to the Minister and the wider group. The issue of contracts will be a significant part of that analysis.”.
Step three: A “Beef Pricewatch” online tool is set to be launched with the aim of making information more available to farmers.
Step four: Through the TAMS scheme DAFM will prioritise targeted on-farm capital investments such as weighing equipment to allow farmers to refine beef production system.
Step five: A further €500,000 will be allocated to Bord Bia to intensify and target promotion of Irish beef through its Bord Bia beef campaign in the UK and certain continental EU markets.
Step six: Teagasc are set to increase efforts to assist farmers maximising on-farm efficiencies through lowering input costs and increasing output value to deliver a better margin for suckler farmers. This assistance will include advice on adapting to market specifications.
Step seven: The Minister also undertook to engage further with his Northern counterpart, Michelle O’Neill, following today’s discussions on issues relevant to sector including trade.
Following the meeting, IFA President Eddie Downey said he welcomed the commitment of the Minister to seek solutions to beef specification concerns, contracts and premiums for winter finishing, restrictions on cattle movements and North/South trade issues as a priority.
Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec group representing the Irish beef processing industry, said the formal communication platform agreed upon at the meeting improved market signalling and communications around market requirements and specifications.
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