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A specific commitment to develop and promote a suckler brand was given at the latest Beef Market Taskforce meeting, the IFA has said.
The fourth meeting of the taskforce was held on Wednesday, with the draft application for PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef and market transparency studies conducted by Grant Thornton top of the agenda.
Association president Tim Cullinan acknowledged the moves to address concerns surrounding the proposed PGI, although he maintains that a number of concerns remain unresolved, such as the exclusion of young bulls.
Benefits for farmers
Cullinan said: “While we understand the importance of securing a PGI, we must get it right. To be fair to the Minister, he has been willing to listen to the issues raised by [the] IFA, but we need farmer buy-in.
“Any benefits must go to farmers, particularly suckler farmers, not factories or retailers. We will be considering the documents presented today and engaging further to try [to] reach agreement at the next taskforce meeting on 12 October.”
Opening the meeting, Minister McConalogue reflected on the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for the sector, as well as the threat posed by the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.
Minister McConalogue said: “Constructive and meaningful engagement across this group is essential to maintaining the sector in this difficult time.
“I believe that we can collectively rise to the many challenges facing us. I look forward to seeing continuous, strong engagement from this group as its work progresses.”
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