Farmers can now obtain a list of all cattle in their herd from DARD offices showing the number of moves they have had in their lifetime
The arrangement has been put in place by the Agriculture Minsiter, Michelle O’Neill while changes are made to the APHIS movement system and until the number of moves can be displayed electronically at marts.
The Agriculture Minister’s latest round of meetings to find a resolution to the beef crisis took place this week with the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association.
The Minister, Michelle O’Neill met Phelim O’Neill, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) and Terry Acheson, Chief Executive of the Foyle Food Group.
According to DARD, the Minister and NIMEA representatives discussed a number of ongoing issues which have been affecting the beef sector, including the issue of what have been termed ‘nomad cattle’ where farmers have bought cattle from the Republic of Ireland but are now finding meat plants reluctant to take them or imposing heavy penalties on ROI cattle.
The Minister said: “The beef industry is an integral part of the agri-food sector on this island and it is important that we maintain dialogue on the issues which are causing such concern to the beef industry. I have been concerned about the recent difficulties experienced by farmers and the wider industry as result of falling beef prices and the penalties imposed by meat plants for out of spec animals.”
Following the decision to allow local beef processors to use the term ‘Irish’ for cattle imported from the south and finished in the north the Minister added: “As I’ve previously stated, I am of the strong view that the term ‘nomad cattle’ has no place on this island. The decision I’ve taken to provide the ability to label beef derived from such cattle as “Irish” will hopefully open new market opportunities with British retailers for local processors. It should also assist the long standing tradition of trading cattle across the island of Ireland.
“I want to see a sustainable, profitable and integrated beef industry here, and I hope that all elements of the supply chain can continue to work together on this for the benefit of all.”
She also welcomed efforts made by the beef industry to resolve the current issue of cattle residencies and improve communication and co-operation within the supply chain.
“I have engaged with and listened to farmers, processors, marts operators and the LMC. I have also asked the meat plants to reconsider their position on penalties.
“It is a positive step forward that the Northern Ireland Livestock Auctioneers’ Association has agreed that marts will have the discretion to display information on farm residencies. I hope to see processors significantly reducing penalties on cattle with over four farm residencies to the end of the year as proposed, which will help farmers through this challenging time.
“I am very encouraged that all elements of the beef supply chain are committed to working together to address the current difficulties for the benefit of the industry as a whole and I’m hopeful that we are now close to a resolution on these issues which have been causing such concern to the industry.”
Concluding, Minister O’Neill praised the LMC for their role in seeking an agreed outcome and said that DARD would work with the marts regarding access to information.
She said: “I acknowledge the proactive role played by the LMC in trying to find an agreed approach on the way forward and welcome the protocol that has been tabled by the LMC and the positive reaction from the beef supply chain.”
(Source – Impartial Reporter – Brian Donaldson – 04/09/2014)