The over-supply of beef markets from milk producers has to stop

÷ Ensure farmers get a return from the market. This has to be a major priority in any future planning for the sector. Brexit will pose a major challenge which is why it is essential that those negotiating ensure tariff-free access to the UK market for our beef;

÷ Promote the development of new and existing live export markets as a means of improving returns for farmers;

÷ End the over-supply of beef markets. This has resulted in major price reductions for farmers. This over-supply is not being driven by suckler farmers but by milk suppliers who have significantly increased cow numbers. The ongoing expansion in the dairy herd cannot be allowed wreck our beef and suckler industry;

÷ Deliver proper targeted supports for the suckler sector. This can help farmers, support the local economy, enhance our environment, and help in the battle against climate change.

In our budget submission, the INHFA sought €120m for the sector to be paid in the form of an extensive grazing measure using the template from the old sheep grassland scheme. This would pay a maximum of €4,000 per farmer and we believe in the short-term help prevent an exodus of suckler farmers from the sector.

Support for suckler farmers in the next CAP Programme is possible and we are currently working on proposals along the lines of our budget submission that will reward farmers through an extensive grazing measure.

This measure will focus on helping farmers with low nitrogen usage and ensure the vast majority of suckler farmers who are currently involved in extensive grazing systems are supported, while protecting against a cash windfall for large-scale intensive farmers and feed-lots.