Officers from the Department of Agriculture will monitor classification, trim and weights in beef factories if a new proposal receives clearance from the Department of Public Expenditure (DPER).

The Department of Agriculture has made the proposal to DPER, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed confirmed at the beef forum on Tuesday.

Cormac Healy of Meat Industry Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journal that it has no issue with the Department increasing resources in this area.

He said: “We believe it should be through an increase in staffing in the beef carcase classification unit in the Department, rather than diverting existing staff from their current duties in plants.”

A spokesperson for DPER said that it had not heard of any such proposal.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that a trial of new beef-grading technology is to take place in the coming months.

“The existing grading system will remain unchanged. The trial will examine the feasibility of using digital cameras and LED lights.”

ICSA calls for increased factory scrutiny

New carcase grading cameras on trial in Slaney

Crackdown on carcase trimming

The Department of Agriculture has made a proposal to the Department of Public Expenditure which could see more agricultural officers on the ground to monitor carcase trimming.