The Irish Farmers Journal understands meat processors are framing proposals to deal with ongoing Quality Payment Scheme (QPS) issues. Pressure is mounting for action from factories, with Minister Coveney pledging to increase his involvement.

This commitment came in a meeting with the IFA on Wednesday. Meetings between processor representatives and the Minister are also expected in the coming week.

Action comes following last week’s IFA farmer meeting in Navan and protests at retail outlets.

Following his meeting with the IFA, Minister Coveney acknowledged that beef farmers have legitimate concerns in relation to the strict application of market specifications, which is impacting on price, particularly for heavier cattle.

“There is no doubt that the impact of price penalties for heavier animals is felt most acutely by some of our most commercial beef farmers, who have bred stock for high feed conversion efficiency. Processors need to keep efficient beef specialists in this vital export industry, and every effort should be made to ensure that this sector is developed and nurtured,” the Minister said.

He said it cannot be ignored that specifications in Ireland’s most lucrative beef markets include a weight specification, but said farmers in any sector need time to adjust to changes in market circumstances, citing “an immediacy to the pressure on beef farmers at present”.

Minister Coveney said farmers and processors need to step up their engagement and called on the industry to show as much flexibility on weight specifications in the short term to allow a window for constructive engagement.

IFA president Eddie Downey welcomed the Minister’s renewed commitment. “The Minister outlined that he will get directly involved and will play a central role in discussions between factories and farmers to resolve the current problems. Minister Coveney said he expects the processing industry to respond positively to the key issues around the Quality Payment System and specifications to suit the Irish beef sector.”

The Minister will meet with the IFA again next week.

Livestock committee chairman Henry Burns said the Minister is also meeting with Tesco to progress a solution to the Northern Ireland branding issue.