Stronger action at EU and Government level is required to address the ongoing income challenges in the beef and sheep sectors. That’s according to IFA President Joe Healy.
The IFA President said a policy framework must be developed with the aim of returning viable cattle and sheep prices and increased targeted direct payments, which are essential to maintain confidence in the sectors and our national breeding herds which provide the backbone to €2.5 billion in output value.
Joe Healy said technical efficiency is very important inside the farm gate but getting the national and EU policy right for a profitable sector at farm level is absolutely essential.
The IFA President said viable price returns to farmers are possible from the market provided there is a fair share out of the retail price across the chain.
He said cattle prices in the range from €4.00 to €4.50 per kilo are essential to cover the cost of production on the most efficient farms, and leave a margin. On lamb prices, he said mid-season prices need to be in the order of €5.00 to €6.00 per kilo.
Mr Healy said market demand for beef is strong and export market prices, particularly in Ireland’s main market in the UK, are very strong.
He said cattle numbers will be much tighter than originally forecast due to increased live exports and lower carcase weights.
Speaking on Brexit, Joe Healy said Minister Creed and the Department of Agriculture must keep farming and the agriculture sector firmly at the top of the Government and EU agenda. He said the beef sector is particularly exposed and must be protected.
