In order to preserve the integrity of the Beef Market Taskforce (BMT) agreement, we must see a concrete suckler brand proposal on the table with the full backing of all members, Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) president Colm O’Donnell has said.

The INHFA has said that unless there is a clear commitment given on the development of a suckler brand that includes at least one processor coming on board, it would not support the current grass-based PGI application.

O’Donnell said: “During talks with the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia over the last number of days, we have made our position crystal clear."

Opposition

In September, the INHFA lodged an opposition to the current PGI status application for Irish grass-fed beef, as a result of what O’Donnell claims is a lack of delivery on the suckler brand.

O’Donnell continued: “We have clearly stated that in order to resolve our dispute with the taskforce and to preserve the integrity of the agreement, meat processors and Bord Bia must come on board with farmers and ensure delivery on the suckler brand.

“The absence of a suckler brand being developed would be a sell-out of all 65,000 suckler farmers, something the INHFA was not prepared to do."

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In September, the INHFA lodged an opposition to the current PGI status application for Irish grass-fed beef.