The ICSA say this analysis is based on the premise that there has been no justification for severe price cuts given that retail prices for beef in Ireland’s biggest market – England - have actually increased over the same period.

The ICSA further state that:

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  • The purchasing power of UK retailers has actually increased, as it now only requires 79 pence sterling to buy a euro worth of goods compared with 87p this time last year.

  • Claims that Quality Assurance Schemes are benefiting farmers are untrue.

  • It is now clear that lectures about how important the Quality Assurance Scheme is to the national interest need to be re-evaluated.

  • The Irish government seems to have adapted a relaxed approach to what’s going on.

  • The Government and EU need to intervene to monitor and regulate the retail chain for primary products such as meat.

    • ICSA president Patrick Kent said: “Our analysis really means that it will not be possible for the Government to wash their hands any further when it comes to the rip- off of farmers. Apart from the loss to farmers, there are knock-on losses to local rural economies in every county in Ireland as farmers’ purchasing power declines substantially.”

    Table A illustrates the increase in retail prices for the main beef cuts in England over the past twelve months notably the 14% increase for popular cuts such as mince, while even the more expensive cuts are holding their own or are marginally higher.

    Beef Type26th July 201326th July 2014% Change July 2013 – July 2014Net % Change
    Average p/kgAverage p/kg
    Braising Steak866908105%+5%
    Diced Stewing Steak840901107%+7%
    Fillet Steak33123312100%0
    Premium Mince711753106%+6%
    Rump Steak15011500100%0
    Sirloin Steak20872095100%0
    Standard Mince510579114%+14%
    Topside10221066104%+4%