‘We need a much stronger defence of Euro beef sector’

THERE should be a much stronger defence of Europe’s beef sector and of the family farm model to ensure high quality beef production into the future.

That was according to IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods, speaking at the recent COPA beef event in Brussels recently.

“The beef sector is under constant attack from many areas and must fight back,” Mr Woods said. “This has to start with our political leaders”.

“COPA, as representatives of European beef farmers, is demanding specific support for the beef sector under the CAP. Commissioner Hogan will have a unique opportunity to address the low income problem in the beef sector in his forthcoming green paper on CAP 2020, which is due to be launched later this month,” he added.

Mr Woods added that direct payments in CAP are vital to Irish farmers as they make up entire incomes on most beef farms and called on Commissioner Hogan must defend the CAP budget and protect payments.

At the same function, COPA Beef Chairman Jean Pierre Fleury warned the EU that Ireland and issues around Brexit have the potential to cause “substantial problems across the entire European beef sector” if not properly addressed.

Mr Fleury added that beef farmers across Europe are angry at what he feels is the EU Commission’s use of beef as a bargaining chip in Mercosur negotiations.

“This is putting at stake the future of beef meat production across Europe,” he said. “Everybody is brushing the issues of double standards under the carpet. It is incredible that some four and five star hotels and restaurants across the EU are using imported beef from Brazil and other Latin American countries.”