In recent months, the Irish Farmers Journal has been inundated with farmers and rural business expressing deep concern over the future of our national suckler herd and the subsequent impact on rural Ireland. It is against this backdrop that we have constructed an open letter to the President of the EU Commission Jean Claude Junker, EU Trade Commissioner MalmstrÖm, EU Agriculture Commissioner Hogan, our Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Our aim is to give farmers and rural communities along with the vast array of businesses that depend on a vibrant rural economy the opportunity to show their support for the IFA campaign to protect the national suckler herd. By signing the letter, you are calling on the EU Commission and the Irish Government to commit to protecting our EU beef markets in ongoing trade deals, protect the CAP budget and deliver on IFA demands for a €200/cow payment. The letter is carried on page 32 and provides the opportunity for up to 12 signatures. It is also available to download or sign at farmersjournal.ie/sos. Businesses looking to support this campaign can download a copy of the letter or contact us on 01-419 9525. The letter will also be available to sign in marts and local stores throughout the country in the coming weeks.

Read and sign the letter here.