Agri Politics
Calls for a food regulator/ombudsman were made by numerous delegates at the Irish Farmers' Association annual general meeting (AGM)
Beef
The Rural Independents has slammed the move to allow Oireachtas members more time to make a submission on a National Food Ombudsman.
TDs and senators have been offered a second chance to make a submission to the consultation process for the National Food Ombudsman.
A motion being tabled this week on establishing an independent regulator for the beef sector is "a real chance" to support farmers.
Following news of a consultation for food ombudsman there are calls for it to have power "to hold processors and retailers to account".
Agri-Business
A public consultation on the primary legislation needed to establish a new Office of a National Food Ombudsman or regulator has been opened.
The process in establishing a new authority called the National Food Ombudsman has been outlined by Minister McConalogue.
The ICSA has called for senior officials at the Department of Agriculture to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture is "currently taking a two-step approach" in the establishment of the office of a National Food Ombudsman.
Matt Carthy has strongly criticised the adoption of a "minimalist approach" in tackling unfair trading practices in the agriculture sector.
The unfair trading practices directive must be transposed into Irish law by May with efforts underway to establish a National Food Ombudsman.
The establishment of the National Food Ombudsman was a commitment given this year...but what is the progress on this commitment to date?
Matt Carthy "still has doubts" as to whether a national food ombudsman will be effective in helping to bring transparency to the beef sector.
A National Food Ombudsman would help to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce, according to Fianna Fail TD Charlie McConalogue
More must be done to protect and support farmers from unfair trading practices, Fianna Fail's spokesperson on Agriculture has said.
