Tesco's Agriculture Director met with NI Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill yesterday (Thursday) to discuss a number of issues affecting the north's beef industry.

The meeting with Tom Hind took place at the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) Beef Conference in Belfast where, earlier, the Minister had outlined the importance of the beef sector to agri-food throughout Ireland.

Minister O’Neill said: “Promoting our beef industry is a key priority and that is why it was important for me to attend this conference. It was also very useful to take this opportunity to discuss with Tom Hind some of the challenges facing the industry."

The Minister noted the retailer's commitment to agriculture and said she was keen to work with retailers to promote the interests of the beef industry.

She said: “I raised the key issues of improving communication within the supply chain and local sourcing as these are not only areas of concern for the sector, but also areas of mutual interest for both industry and retailers.”

Earlier, Minister O’Neill told delegates at the conference that research has a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the beef sector in the north.

During her speech she said: “I want to see a strong, profitable red meat sector here in the north and that can only be achieved if farmers see a fair return for their high quality, traceable produce. I have been concerned about the difficulties experienced by the beef sector over the last nine months. Given that this industry is an integral part of the agri-food sector, it is important that we continue to maintain focus on the issues which are causing such concern.

“I am very encouraged that all elements of the beef supply chain are committed to addressing the current difficulties for the benefit of the industry and I will continue to do what I can to support improved transparent communications on pricing and market requirements throughout the supply chain.”

Acknowledging that there are financial pressures, the Minister emphasised that research will pay a vital role in helping to sustain the beef sector which her Department is committed to underpinning.