A protest is being planned in Co Wicklow by the Beef Plan Movement to highlight the lack of action on exports, the group told its members in a message on WhatsApp this weekend.
The protest will take place on Tuesday 5 March at a location and a time that have yet to be announced.
“[It is] peak calving season and exporters [are] only able to export a fraction of the calves that they have markets for. This means that dairy farmers are literally giving their calves away.
“These fellow farmers have been let down. These calves are now destined to stay in Ireland and God help the beef farmer going forward. Many of the stakeholders have sat on their hands.
“Even though they have been collecting levies all they have done is paid themselves hefty wages and have done nothing to solve the problem. Not enough lairage space in Cherbourg, why couldn’t a small bit of the levies collected be used to erect temporary accommodation?
“Why couldn’t it be arranged that ships would travel every day in the week except three?” the message said.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Beef Plan Movement spokesperson Eamonn Corley said:
“Down the line, these calves will impact on the price of beef in two years’ time. If these calves are left in the country, we will end up in a similar mess to what we are currently.”
Weather halts calf trucks
News of the protest comes after trucks were turned away this weekend from travelling on two boats, due to weather conditions at sea.
Meanwhile, there is not enough lairage space in Cherbourg for calves and calves cannot leave Ireland unless there is space available for them to have a rest period.
Read more
First moves made to set up live exporters association
Weather halts calf trucks from sailing
12 calf trucks held up in Ireland due to French lairage problems - exporter
A protest is being planned in Co Wicklow by the Beef Plan Movement to highlight the lack of action on exports, the group told its members in a message on WhatsApp this weekend.
The protest will take place on Tuesday 5 March at a location and a time that have yet to be announced.
“[It is] peak calving season and exporters [are] only able to export a fraction of the calves that they have markets for. This means that dairy farmers are literally giving their calves away.
“These fellow farmers have been let down. These calves are now destined to stay in Ireland and God help the beef farmer going forward. Many of the stakeholders have sat on their hands.
“Even though they have been collecting levies all they have done is paid themselves hefty wages and have done nothing to solve the problem. Not enough lairage space in Cherbourg, why couldn’t a small bit of the levies collected be used to erect temporary accommodation?
“Why couldn’t it be arranged that ships would travel every day in the week except three?” the message said.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Beef Plan Movement spokesperson Eamonn Corley said:
“Down the line, these calves will impact on the price of beef in two years’ time. If these calves are left in the country, we will end up in a similar mess to what we are currently.”
Weather halts calf trucks
News of the protest comes after trucks were turned away this weekend from travelling on two boats, due to weather conditions at sea.
Meanwhile, there is not enough lairage space in Cherbourg for calves and calves cannot leave Ireland unless there is space available for them to have a rest period.
Read more
First moves made to set up live exporters association
Weather halts calf trucks from sailing
12 calf trucks held up in Ireland due to French lairage problems - exporter
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