Responding to IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods at the Beef Forum, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said he was very willing to sit down with the IFA to work through how proposals can be brought forward to increase supports for the suckler herd.
Angus Woods commented: “We strongly highlighted the income problems on farms and Minister Creed said he fully understood these income difficulties”.
The IFA Livestock Chairman told the forum that investing in the national suckler herd is critical for the beef sector and will provide strong returns. He added that the IFA has strong proposals to increase targeted supports to €200 per cow.
On classification, trim and weights Angus Woods told the Minister that it was his responsibility to properly police the system in the factories and time is running out on this issue. In response, Minister Creed said his Department has now made a proposal to the Department of Public Expenditure regarding the appointment of Agricultural Officers to monitor classification, trim and weights in the factories.
On live exports, Minister Creed also told the Beef Forum he is working closely with the shipping company to get a full solution to the ferry issues in February/March for calf exports.
