The urgency to appoint a new independent beef regulator to investigate market transparency has been made clear by the content of a letter issued by the CCPC [Competition and Consumer Protection Commission] to farmers on June 5.
The CCPC has highlighted its lack of power and resources to investigate and scrutinise beef pricing within the markets. It is now time for the positioning of an independent beef regulator, to shine a light on the industry as a whole.
It is an immediate priority. As the farming community declines amid negative margins, the Government must understand that competition is the key to survival in our beef industry.
It is difficult to understand why our beef processors operated at the end of May within an average base price range for R3 steers of about €3.62/kg, while UK farmers were in receipt of [the equivalent of] over €4.00/kg. Ireland exports almost 50% of its beef in to the UK.
It is equally difficult to understand how beef processors have been allowed to mislead farmers and the minister with [the imposition of] artificial market specifications. This became apparent on January 9 at the Beef Market Taskforce meeting. The propaganda that is being put out needs to be addressed publicly.
[We are] somewhat reassured that the Government understands that there are difficulties within the industry, with the appointment of Grant Thornton to carry out additional examinations of the supply chains.
This problem is widely known. Yet, it has not been addressed by successive governments; now an opportunity presents itself for a resolution.
Will all parties entering the gates of Leinster House seek to deliver for our beef farmers?
Our taxpayers need value-for-money. Our consumers and our farmers have a constitutional right to be protected from anti-competitive practices. There needs to be fair and buoyant competition in the beef industry. Competition is key to its very survival.
From Alan O’Brien, beef farmer, Co. Kilkenny