Since taking office I had one formal meeting on 23 July with representatives of the Irish beef processing industry. Discussions at that meeting covered a range of issues including cattle prices, the prospects for the autumn cattle trade and the need for an effective market support system. Officials of my Department are in regular contact with the industry.
At the last meeting of the beef management committee on 26 September, the Commission extended the existing intervention buying-in arrangements until the end of the year. This means that the carcase weight limit remains at 360kg and grade 04 steers will continue to be eligible for intervention. I am satisfied that these arrangements will provide an effective support for cattle prices this autumn.