The final Live@Grange panel discussion as part of Virtual Beef Week will have a focus on the major challenges facing the beef sector.

Such challenges include: climate change; biodiversity; water quality; animal welfare; and the biggest challenge of all – low incomes faced by beef farmers.

The discussion will bring together industry experts to discuss possible solutions to address the economic, environmental and social challenges facing the sector.

Director of research in Teagasc, Prof. Frank O’ Mara, will introduce this session, with the discussion chaired by professor of agri-food economics at University College Cork (UCC), Thia Hennessy.

The panel will hear a number of important questions raised by beef farmers.

The panel will include:
  • Mairead McGuinness, MEP vice president – EU perspective;
  • Prof. Gerry Boyle, director of Teagasc – Teagasc perspective;
  • Tim Cullinan, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president – farmer perspective.

Additionally, the panel will also be joined by the new Minister for Agriculture, Barry Cowen.

The final panel discussion of the week will be available on all AgriLand and Teagasc platforms at 7.00pm tonight.

If you have a question during the live broadcast, just text the word TEAGASC followed by your question, name and location to 51444 (ROI only; standard network charges apply) or join in on Twitter at: #VirtualBeefWeek.