Beef processors in the Republic of Ireland need to do more to implement the recommendations of the Dowling Report, according to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney.
Sharp price falls have hit processors hard, with heifers and steers down by €230-€250/hd. Prices for underage steer carcasses have also been hit, too, the average price for a carcass is now down to 360c/kg.
The minister said it was important processors had an open and honest relationship with farmers: “Prices have declined significantly since the highs of last year, not only in Ireland, but internationally. That is the market reality. However, in circumstances where there is downward pressure on prices, it is all the more important that the relationship between processors and farmers is built on transparency and trust.”
He went on to say that the Dowling Report recommendations would help farmers understand the supply and pricing structures in a more straightforward way.