Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
422. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the beef industry with particular reference to the emergence of production costs and the likely impact on future development of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27137/22]
View answerOur beef and suckler farm families produce a work-class product that is in demand in markets across the globe.
To date in 2022, beef prices remain at a seven year high with R3 Steer prices at 497c/kg as of 2nd May and an increase in slaughter of 12.4% in the year to date compared to 2021.
Teagasc forecasts that EU beef supply will decline in 2022 and that UK supply will remain unchanged. The outlook for Irish beef exports remains generally positive for 2022 according to Bord Bia.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs.
I have taken a proactive approach in responding to the impact of illegal war in Ukraine on the agri-food sector, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
