The Beef Plan Movement came in for sharp criticism at its most recent meeting in Ballymahon Mart in Co Longford on Tuesday night.

Its aim of signing up 40,000 farmers for a network of producer groups to be able to negotiate better with processors was questioned from the floor.

One farmer in particular was highly critical of the group’s strategy to enlist thousands of farmers for six producer regional groups.

The beef finisher said the group should focus on smaller groups as a way of ensuring greater loyalty.

“Do you not think that the 40,000 is a huge aim?” the farmer asked.

“You’re expecting 40,000 farmers to pull in line (together) and I can guarantee that it won’t happen. It just won’t happen.

“The factories will come along and offer one producer group 5c/kg more for their beef on any day that they want it and that producer group will jump,” he said.

The Beef Plan Movement representatives rejected the claim, saying the group is only in existence less than six months and has already received the support of thousands of farmers.

The group said producer groups are the most effective way of negotiating with factories and all farmers were urged to sign up.

More than 300 farmers attended the meeting on Tuesday night where the Beef Plan Movement again was highly critical of bodies such as Bord Bia and the ICBF.