August 7, 2009

Irish beef farmers need help to make profits this year or beef production could collapse, according to the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).

Martin McMahon, chairperson of the ICMSA's beef and cattle committee, said the situation was critical and warning signs were throughout the beef sector.

Irish beef farming has never been in such danger, he said.

Prices are back 10 percent on-year, and incomes of beef farmers have been slashed through cuts in the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, the closure of REPS 4, the reduced Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme payment, the delayed FWM payment and increased farm outputs, said McMahon.

All the above factors have led to most beef farmers questioning their future viability, he said.

McMahon said beef processors have to increase prices paid to farmers, boosting it to a similar level in neighbouring countries, and the government must stop slashing schemes and ensure continued direct support for beef farming.

He suggested that the Minister of Agriculture should also remove unnecessary regulations that are costing beef farmers millions of euro annually.