Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
13. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the new specifications regarding young bull production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20352/14]
View answer21. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has made any decision regarding the possibility of a beef price watch online service being provided to farmers; the information that would be included in the service; the way it would be delivered to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20343/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 21 together.
The purpose of the roundtable discussions with key stakeholders in the beef sector (which included representatives from IFA, ICMSA, ICSA, MII, Teagasc and Bord Bia) that I hosted on 17 April was to reflect on recent developments in the sector and set out a series of actions that will aid viability across the supply chain in light of current market conditions. I believe that it was a worthwhile exercise and the constructive engagement of participants confirmed my belief that ongoing dialogue and collaboration, supported by the Government, is essential to improving the interdependent relationship between and producers and processors. The positive outcome of the roundtable discussions is reflected in the various measures announced at its conclusion.
These included a commitment to launching a ‘Beef Pricewatch’ online tool to make price information more accessible and free of charge to farmers. No decision has yet been made regarding the specific IT solution or the platform on which it will be delivered to clients. At present, my officials are reviewing the full range of existing price data and whether it should be supplemented before considering how best it might be made available online – whether by a specific website, app or other format. It will also be necessary to take account of the time needed for software development. Progress on this matter will be reported to a future meeting of the beef roundtable once a decision has been made on what information will be included in the service, how it will be delivered to farmers and the timeframe for implementation.
In addition to price transparency, both the farmer and meat processors representatives made statements regarding the role of the specifications for young bull production and the impact these have on the market situation. I am aware therefore of the importance all sides place on these specifications and the misunderstanding that can arise as to their impact on cattle prices. As these views were diametrically opposed to each other I have asked Mr. Michael Dowling, Chairman of the Beef 2020 Activation Group to look at the role that specifications play in young bull production and prices. I expect that he will make a report on this matter at the next roundtable discussion on 3 June.
After the roundtable discussion, I released a press statement which sets out the following measures that the forum agreed will assist in addressing the challenges facing the sector:
- The roundtable will reconvene quarterly to exchange intelligence on market developments and forecasts particularly in relation to supply, demand, prices, product specifications, retail changes etc;
- In addition to his work on specification, I have requested the Chairman of the Beef 2020 Activation Group, Mr. Michael Dowling, to review implementation of the Group’s report. He is meeting all stakeholders individually to consider what further actions, including the possible role of long-term supply contracts for producers, and will report back to the me by the end of May;
- My Department will prioritise its targeted on-farm capital investments for suckler farmers through the new Rural Development Programme;
- Bord Bia will allocate €0.5m to expand and target promotion of Irish beef through its campaigns in the UK and in certain continental markets;
- Teagasc will intensify its efforts to enable farmers to maximise on-farm efficiencies through lowering input costs and increasing output value to deliver a better margin for suckler farmers and finishers. This assistance will include advice on adapting productions systems to meet market specifications;
- I undertook to engage further with my Northern counterpart, Ms Michelle O’Neill, on issues relevant to the sector including cross-Border trade.
The Deputy will also be aware that one of my priorities since taking office has been the continued development of the beef sector. The Government’s commitment to the primary production in the sector is evidenced by an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014 allied with a number of progressive schemes to be implemented over the lifetime of the new RPD. Taken together with the leadership provided by my roundtable initiative, beef farmers have the necessary supports to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock enterprises.
