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Despite beef prices improving this week, they continue to fall well short of breakeven levels, IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden has said.
“To address this, the approach must include strong recognition of beef and suckler farming in the new CAP and the removal of beef from the EU market that does not meet the production standards on Irish and EU farms,” he said.
Golden said the double standards applied by the EU cannot be allowed continue.
The Mercosur deal must be rejected and the current access allowed for South American beef that does not meet our environmental welfare production standards must be removed from the marketplace, he said.
The livestock chair said allowing sub-standard beef into the EU is seriously undermining the viability and sustainability of Irish and EU beef farms.
Beef prices
With retail demand soaring in Europe, quotes for bullocks this week range between €3.75/kg and €3.80/kg, while heifers are €3.80/kg to €3.90/kg.
Golden said prices in the UK increased by the equivalent of 4c/kg in the run up to Christmas.
“Supermarket sales of beef throughout the COVID-19 restrictions have performed well, with strong volume and price increases recorded for 2020, a situation that is likely to continue,” he said.
Supermarket sales of beef throughout the COVID-19 restrictions have performed well
He said market conditions are strong in Ireland’s main export market, with the worst-case scenario for Brexit avoided.
This market must be built on and any trade distortions from logistical access issues cannot find their way back to farmers, he added.
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