Mercosur

IFA intensified its campaign against the Mercosur trade deal this week. On Tuesday, the National Council, the national livestock committee and the national poultry committee met near Leinster House. A lobby session of TDs and senators then took place. On Wednesday, Joe Healy travelled to Brussels to meet other farm leaders who are opposed to the deal.

Lamb price

An IFA survey of the main supermarkets shows that retailers are charging consumers prices from €8.69/kg to €15.16/kg for the main lamb cuts, while the farmer price has fallen from €5.70/kg to €5.10/kg in the last four weeks. IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy said farmer prices are down 50c/kg to 70c/kg on this time last year (€15 per lamb), while retail prices are more or less the same as last year at 1.3% lower (13c/kg).

IFA member benefits

The IFA and FBD Insurance have launched a new benefit, saving members €85 on car, home, business or farm insurance. FBD introduced new cover enhancements which came into effect from 23 May. Improvements include a €6.5m limit of public liability cover and environmental liability protection for farm activities as standard. IFA members can avail of the benefit by calling their local FBD Insurance office or by phoning 01-7617 617.