Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has again called on the Minister for Agriculture to implement measures to support the beef sector.
Deputy Smith commented, “There is an urgent need to have the Beef Market Taskforce meet as proposed last September and implement the measures agreed in the negotiations with beef sector stakeholders last August. The Minister must progress these issues without further delay.
“For a considerable length of time farmers have been subjected to low prices for their livestock and this has caused serious financial problems for producers. It is not acceptable that the primary producer is getting a price below the cost of production. Farmers are very anxious that they should, at least, get the average EU price for their livestock.
“I have raised my concerns directly with Minister Creed in the Dáil and will continue to do so for beef farmers in Cavan-Monaghan and nationwide.
“The onus is on the Minister for Agriculture to show leadership and convene a meeting of the Beef Market Taskforce as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Smith.