The imposition of a two-hour limit on travel time to slaughter will leave many farmers without any choice as to where to sell their cattle, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) suckler chair Ger O’Brien has said.

The ICSA has described the travel restriction included in Bord Bia’s application for protected geographical indication (PGI) for ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ as anti-competitive.

O’Brien continued: “This is a real blow to farmers’ ability to shop around for the best return and factories will no doubt be able to exploit this. The only losers will be the farmers who are restricted from getting the best price possible.

“The pursuit of a PGI for the whole country should mean that you can bring your cattle to any factory within that country. Our livestock haulage systems are well regulated and there is no evidence that a three-hour journey is more detrimental than a two-hour journey."

Young bulls

Ireland’s application for an EU-approved PGI for ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ excludes bulls and dairy-bred cows.

The ICSA has said it is opposed to the exclusion of young bulls and that an application for a PGI designation for suckler-only beef should be made.

“We believe it makes absolutely no sense to bring in a scheme that would militate against quality continental suckler bull beef. The inclusion of most dairy stock will undermine any chance of a premium price for suckler farmers,” O’Brien concluded.

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