The Department, in accordance with the recommendations of the Beef Activation Group, carried out a re-calibration trial on the mechanical beef grading system in 2013/14. This trial was conducted strictly in accordance with EU rules and was overseen by the Department with a panel of international experts. In addition, Teagasc acted as an independent body designated by the Department to analyse the results of the certification test. The trial resulted in the generation of a new set of equations approved by the EU Commission, based on a large sample size and based on the current bovine population. Testing of the installation of these new equations, which were approved by the EU Commission, is currently underway at a number of factories across the country under the close supervision of authorised classification officers of my Department. This testing is purely a technical exercise to ensure that the mechanical grading system continues to perform to the highest standard. It is intended that such testing will be conducted in each establishment operating classification using automated grading techniques with a view to the rolling out of the system across the country at some future point.
Regarding the protection of farmer’s interests in this matter, this testing is carried out under the close supervision of authorised classification officers of my Department ensuring that no financial detriment occurs to any farmer during the testing process. In addition, the EU Commission lays down rules for the monitoring of establishments operating classification using automated grading techniques which my Department strictly adheres to.
