Feed manufacturers are demanding a resolution to the imposition of 25% tariffs by the EU on beet pulp and molasses imported from the US as a result of the EU-US WTO aircraft dispute. The Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA) maintains the tariffs will ultimately increase feed prices for farmers.

Beet pulp

In early December, a boatload of beet pulp faced diversion to the UK to avoid these tariffs, although it eventually landed at Waterford Port.

The IGFA said: “The damage to Irish farmers and trade could have been minimised if officials had requested a workable 30- or 60-day notice period at the very minimum.

“Alternatively, they could have notified industry during 2019/2020 that the regulation was being discussed and voted on so that businesses could prepare and protect themselves.”

The industry is seeking flexibility on the tariffs so that orders made before their implementation are not subject to the 25% levy and those affected in recent weeks are rebated where necessary.

The industry says it will otherwise cost the Irish farmer.

This week, J Grennan and Sons took to social media to vent frustration. It warned that Irish livestock farmers will suffer due to the tariffs and urged people to contact their local politician on the matter.

Grennans Feed prices EU US tariffs.

The Irish Farmers Journal has contacted both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, but neither have offered any solution to the problem.

It should be noted that the summer drought left stocks low in parts of Europe and shipping costs can often be just as competitive from the US as from parts of the EU.