Macra na Feirme has expressed serious concerns following the announcement that Brittany Ferries will cease live animal exports from Ireland from September, warning that the decision represents another significant setback for competition within the Irish livestock export market.
The organisation said the loss of another livestock transport operator further weakens Ireland’s live export capacity and risks reducing competition for Irish farmers, particularly those relying on the live export trade as an alternative market outlet.
Macra president Josephine O’Neill said: “This is another blow to competition in the Irish livestock sector. Irish young farmers have lost choice and bargaining power, which will no doubt further challenge their futures in Irish beef production.”
Macra said Irish beef farmers have very limited market options, with livestock sold either to domestic meat processors or through the live export market.
It warned that any reduction in live export capacity weakens competition and reduces farmers’ ability to secure the best possible price for their stock.
The organisation said that while live exports only account for one route to market, its importance extends far beyond the number of animals exported each year by helping to maintain competition across the livestock sector.
Young farmers
“Young farmers need every possible market outlet if they are going to grow their businesses and get a fair return for their animals. Live exports provide vital competition and help keep choice in farmers’ hands,” it said.
Macra added that the live export sector has faced increasing pressure in recent years due to legislative changed, rising transport costs and a declining number of operators, which have all contributed to reduced export capacity.
The organisation called on the Government and the Department of Agriculture to work urgently with industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions to safeguard Ireland’s live export capability and ensure farmers continue to have genuine market choice.
“Our Government cannot allow Ireland’s live export capacity to be chipped away. Urgent action is needed to protect routes to markets and ensure farmers are not left with fewer and fewer options,” they added.
Concluding, Macra said that the latest withdrawal should serve as a wake-up call for policy makers.
“Young farmers are investing in their farms and planning for decades ahead. The challenges already faced by young farmers are countless. We cannot build that future while routes to market are disappearing.
"This needs to be a wake-up call for Government to provide greater certainty and positive solutions to support the future of our young farmers.”
SHARING OPTIONS