Beef prices cannot continue at current loss-making levels at farm level and must be increased, according to IFA president, Joe Healy.
Speaking at the second Beef Taskforce meeting in Dublin on Thursday, January 9th, Healy told the main retailers that the unsustainable discounting of top-quality beef was “a race to the bottom that has to stop”.
“Retailers and factories, who work together, must pass back higher market returns, with a significant and immediate price rise to farmers.”
Joe Healy said retailers outlined details of their specifications, which, in general, are “a lot less onerous” than those applied by the factories.
Independent review of market and customer requirements
He said the Taskforce has hired international consultants, Grant Thornton, to undertake a full and independent review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the four in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation.
“The retailers indicated they will co-operate fully with this exercise.” Healy concluded.
