The war of words between IFA president Eddie Downey and Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney intensified in the past week, with Downey accusing Minister Coveney of neglecting his duties towards the beef sector.
Downey has had to contend with arguably the biggest problem to hit the beef sector in years. While various stakeholders are involved in the beef price crisis, the tension between Downey and Coveney has been strongest.
Round 1
While the exact reason for the situation is a matter for debate, the genesis of the beef crisis can be traced back to a number of issues. From falling beef consumption in the main Irish export markets of Britain and Europe, to an oversupply of out- and in-spec cattle for our markets, to reduced global animal feed costs and less promotion on retail shelves, the export-led Irish beef sector took some major hits. This was the big-ticket item facing the newly elected IFA president, Eddie Downey.
Round 2
Downey was elected the 14th president of the IFA in December and in his introductory speech highlighted the need for strong beef prices. He also called on Minister Coveney to “do more” on live exports.
Beef price: €4/kg.
Round 3
Keen to make his mark early on, Downey organises a protest at plants of three of the country’s main beef processors on 5 February. Again the Minister was called upon to intervene in the problem. Beef price: €4/kg.
Round 4
The first main conflict between the IFA and Minister Coveney. On 12 February, Downey calls on Minister Coveney to “intervene directly” on falling cattle prices. The IFA said the Minister needed to establish a beef summit in order to get all relevant bodies around a table to discuss farmers’ concerns. The Minister dismisses the proposal, saying that prices are dictated by markets, factories and the retailers they supply.
Beef price: €4/kg.
Round 5
Farmers take to the streets on 5 March. Downey and the IFA organise a protest where 3,000 farmers march outside the Department of Agriculture’s offices in Dublin. Downey accused the Minister of “failing beef farmers”. Downey again urged the Minister to aid in the live export trade to Northern Ireland.
Beef price: €3.90/kg.
Round 6
On 9 April, Minister Coveney responds to the calls by Downey and others on the need to assemble the key players in the beef sector for a roundtable meeting. Downey acknowledges the Minister’s actions but said he has been slow in moving. The Minister promised to “bang the heads” of those in attendance to get solutions for the embattled sector. Minister Coveney also confirms that Michael Dowling has been enrolled to draft a report on the future of the beef sector. The beef roundtable was set for 17 April.
Beef price: €3.90/kg.
Round 7
Farm organisations and beef processors as well as industry bodies such as Bord Bia and Teagasc attended the first beef roundtable on 17 April in Dublin, which was chaired by Minister Coveney. Increased price transparency, better communication from factories to farmers and additional funding for the promotion of Irish beef in Britain and Europe are the main outcomes. The Minister plans another beef roundtable for the beginning of June.
Beef price: €3.90/kg.
Round 8
Despite all the hope and optimism coming from the beef meeting, prices slip 5c in the wake of the roundtable. Downey initially welcomed the work of the Minister in establishing the beef roundtable but criticised him sharply for not going far enough to deal with the crisis.
Beef price: €3.85/kg.
Round 9
The week before the second roundtable meeting of 3 June and the publication of the Dowling report, Downey issues another warning to the Minister, saying the next meeting must put profit back into farming.
Beef price: €3.80/kg.
Round 10
The second beef roundtable takes place with the same interest groups as before. Michael Dowling also presents his report on the future of the beef sector. Dowling’s report suggests that factories should enter into contracts with beef producers and also emphasised the need for strong producer groups. Downey, who was reported to have been considering a walkout of the meeting, said he was disillusioned with the meeting and the input from the Minister.
Round 11
The IFA mounts a “strike protest” at the Department of Agriculture in Dublin on 17 June. Downey said the problem is intensifying but the Minister is not reacting to the concerns of beef farmers. He said confidence in the sector is at an all-time low and accused the Minister of “taking his eye off the ball”. Beef price: €3.75/kg.
Round 12
Minister Coveney responded to the IFA’s claims with a full media assault the following Wednesday morning. He made appearances on RTÉ and Newstalk radio in an attempt to reassure farmers that he was working to help them. Downey said the Minister is still not doing enough.
Beef price: €3.75/kg and likely to drop another 5c/kg.
Both men are battered and bruised so far; Downey from farmers on the ground who have accused the IFA of not doing enough during the crisis and Coveney from farm organisations who say the Minister has not done enough to keep factories and retailers honest. There is still a way to go in this fight but is it the beef farmer that is the one on the floor?
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