Beef farmers are continuing to face an uncertain future after one of the main recommendations of a major report for the sector was described as unworkable by the meat processors.
The chairman of the Beef Activation Group, told this week's beef forum meeting based in Dublin that formalised contracts between farmers and processors would create “security” for beef farmers.
This has come in light of a difficult price landscape in which beef farmers have been operating in since the end of last year. However the body which represents Ireland's meat processors has played down the prospects of more formalised contracts, stating that they are unworkable in the current market.
Commenting on the report, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said: “Michael Dowling’s report is an excellent roadmap for where we take our work from here and I am interested in feedback from all stakeholders on his recommendations.”
It is now down to the Agricultural Minister to respond to Michael's full report.