Increased retail sales of beef in key markets in recent weeks must be returned to farmers in higher beef prices by factories, IFA Livestock chair Declan Hanrahan has said.

“The turnaround in beef sales in the important retail sector will be further supported by increased demand from food service over the summer period.”

He said positive market conditions must now be utilised by meat factories to take back control in the marketplace and increase prices to farmers.

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“The improved demand for beef in recent weeks is becoming evident on the ground as factories have again started ringing around looking for cattle,” he said.

Declan Hanrahan said supplies are very finely balanced and factories will have to increase prices to get the numbers they need to process in the coming weeks.

“Farmers should sell hard as factories are actively looking for cattle.

Market demand is increasing and prices well above those quoted have been paid, particularly for larger and specialist lots,” he added.

National Organic Awards ‘26 a showcase for a growing sector - IFA

IFA Organic Project team chair John Fitzpatrick has welcomed the opening of National Organic Awards 2026.

The awards are open to entries from the 6,100 organic farmers and food businesses across Ireland.

Research from Bord Bia shows that the Irish market for organic produce has shown substantial growth over the past four years. In 2025, there was a 12.5% increase in organic market share compared to 2024 figures.

“Significant work is being done to improve markets for organic produce via organisations such as the Mid-West Bio-district area and the newly formed Western Organic Producer Organisation, which aim to enhance the bargaining power of Irish organic farmers in the market, reduce leakage by creating structured sales of high-quality breeding stock and strengthen connections between local producers and consumers,” outlined Mr Fitzpatrick.

“The National Organic Strategy has set an ambitious target of €750m in wholesale output by 2030.

"The National Organic Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the excellence and innovation across Ireland’s organic farming and food sector and will celebrate producers, retailers, exporters, farmers and food businesses championing organic production in Ireland.”

There is a broad range of award categories.

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony celebrating the very best of Irish organic food and farming on 3 September.

The closing date for entries to the National Organic Awards is 17 July next. For more information, or to enter, see www.bordbia.ie/.

Upcoming events

Mon, 15 June

  • IFA to attend National Economic Dialogue, Dublin Castle.

    • Tues, 16 June

  • National Officers’ Committee meeting, Irish Farm Centre.
  • IFA to attend Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs to discuss aquaculture and water quality.

    • Thurs, 18 June

  • IFA president Francie Gorman to attend FBD Board meeting, Dublin.