March 7, 2005

Northern Ireland will see improved beef prices should export ban be lifted

An analysis of the trends at this week's ARINI (Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland) meetings in Northern Ireland clearly indicates that their local beef processors must secure access to mainland European markets if they are to deliver a better farmer price!

This again raises the question of whether or not Northern Ireland should go it alone in pushing for the abolition of the beef export ban in the United Kingdom, ahead of the other UK regions.

Phelim O'Neill, from the Livestock and Meat Commission, has told Farming Life that, while local beef returns are currently high in a UK context, we are still lower than a number of other countries within the EU.

"Average beef prices in Italy and Germany are currently standing at 220 pence and 210 pence per kilo respectively while our own average is around 200 pence," he said.

"Prior to 1996, these countries had been established markets for Northern Ireland beef. Above all else, the opportunity to export our beef products would allow processors to secure the best possible return on very individual cut of meat which will directly translate back to the strongest possible carcass return for the farmer."

He added: "Currently the EU is about 95 per cent self-sufficient in beef with Intervention stores almost empty. This contrasts sharply with the beef surplus situation that existed almost 10 years ago when Northern Ireland was last servicing European markets."