Pressure is increasing on Irish processors and Bord Bia to secure stable and viable prices in the market place for the coming year, IFA President Eddie Downey has said.

Downey emphasised the issue of hard working farm families not receiving the price they deserve for the high quality products they produce in a retailer dominated world market.

He expressed his growing concern regarding the large price gap in the past year which has significantly grown between Irish and UK beef and pork. Downey said that there is a need for Irish marketing agencies and processors to develop strategies to show consumers in the UK and elsewhere of the top quality of Irish produce.

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The IFA President said this price difference based on the quality of Irish produce versus the price in a global market cannot be justified. If Scotland can secure a premium price for its beef in the UK, Ireland should aim to do the same, he said.

Downey called for farm product price volatility to be addressed and said the Irish Dairy Board and co-ops had to increase their efforts to secure premium markets and fixed prices to help benefit dairy farmers.

The IFA president also spoke of Bord Bia, who have a particular emphasis on promoting Ireland's green, clean, grass-based image. He said the organisation must reflect on their marketing strategies for changes to occur, especially in the UK where quality Irish beef and pork are being sold at a significantly lower price than UK produce.