Macra has warned that Brittany Ferries' decision to end its livestock transport services from Ireland to mainland Europe is "another blow to competition" for Irish farmers.

Macra has expressed concern following the announcement that Brittany Ferries will cease transporting livestock from Ireland from September.

The young farmer organisation warned that the decision "represents another significant setback for competition within the Irish livestock export market".

Live exports

The organisation said the loss of another livestock transport operator "further weakens Ireland's live export capacity and risks reducing competition for Irish farmers", particularly those relying on the live export trade as an alternative market outlet.

Macra national president, Josephine O'Neill said: "This is another blow to competition in the Irish livestock sector.

As an island nation, Macra noted that Irish beef farmers have "very limited" market options.

"Farmers have just two outlets for their animals: the domestic meat processing sector or the live export market," Macra said.

Market outlets

The organisation warned that any reduction in live export capacity "inevitably weakens competition, reducing farmers' ability to secure the best possible price for their livestock".

Macra said that while the live export trade represents only one route to market, its importance extends far beyond the number of animals exported each year.

“Young farmers need every possible market outlet if they are going to grow their businesses and get a fair return for their animals," O'Neill continued.

"Live exports provide vital competition and help keep choice in farmers’ hands."

Challenges

The organisation noted that the live export sector has faced increasing challenges in recent years, with legislative changes, rising transport costs and a declining number of operators all contributing to reduced capacity.

The withdrawal of Brittany Ferries, Macra said, adds further pressure at a time when "maintaining competitive market access for Irish farmers is more important than ever".

Macra has called on the government and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to "work urgently with industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions" to safeguard Ireland's live export capability.

“Our government cannot allow Ireland’s live export capacity to be chipped away," O'Neill said.

"Urgent action is needed to protect routes to markets and ensure farmers are not left with fewer and fewer options."

Policy

Macra also stressed that any future policy decisions affecting the live export sector must "strike an appropriate balance between maintaining high animal welfare standards and protecting the commercial viability of Irish farming".

The organisation added that the loss of another livestock transport operator should serve as a "wake-up call" for policymakers.

“Young farmers are investing in their farms and planning for decades ahead," O'Neill said.

"The challenges already faced by young farmers are countless. We cannot build that future while routes to market are disappearing.

"This needs to be a wake-up call for government to provide greater certainty and positive solutions to support the future of our young farmers."