Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
147. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken since taking office to protect the price of beef for the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16911/14]
View answerCattle prices are determined by supply / demand dynamics which are in turn influenced by the seasonality of production, the length of the production lifecycle and market conditions such as retail promotions, consumer confidence, competition with other meats and the overall macroeconomic situation.
My role in relation to the beef sector is to create a policy and support environment that will allow it to flourish in line with normal market principles. In this context, I am guided by the sectoral development strategy set out in Food Harvest 2020 and am confident that the initiatives announced this year, in conjunction with the Rural Development Programme, will enable beef farmers to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock enterprises. Government support for beef producers is exemplified by its implementation of the recommendations contained in the 2020 strategy and the subsequent Beef Activation Group Report and the funding that I secured for an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014. These supports for beef primary beef production comprise €23m for a new Beef Genomics Scheme, €10m for the Beef Data Programme, €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme and €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.
For my part, I will continue to focus on supporting the beef sector to enable it to realise its potential for future growth. With this in mind, I have invited key stakeholders, including farm organisations, beef processors and relevant state agencies, to a round table discussion on the future development of the beef sector on 17 April. I am confident that this initiative will provide a useful forum for all the main players in the industry to engage positively and present constructive ideas on positioning the sector to address the challenges and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.
