1 March 2007
Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) Chairman, Owen Brennan briefed local politicians on the new Task Force, which was formed to initiate the development of a long-term strategy for the Northern Ireland beef and sheepmeat industry.
The Task Force is facilitated by The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) and includes the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD), the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the National Beef Association (NBA) and the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association (NIMEA).
The work will involve a comprehensive investigation of all aspects of the Northern Ireland red meat chain to determine how a profitable and sustainable industry can be achieved in the new market-driven environment following the decoupling of subsidies from production. The research will include all aspects of production, processing and marketing and a comprehensive involvement across all of the industry interests.
Speaking at the meeting Billy Armstrong UUP for Mid Ulster comments, “The provision of farm figures is a grim reminder of the financial problems which blight the industry and this total lack of profitability is unsustainable. Fresh thinking and radical solutions are required and determine which models might be most suitable for the achievement of profitable farm enterprises over the next 5-10 years. We at the UUP fully support the work already completed by the Task Force and look forward to the strategy being implemented for the Northern Ireland, red meat industry.”
Edwin Poots DUP Agricultural spokesman said, “"The current position of farmers using their single farm payments to support the production of cattle and sheep is unsustainable over the longer term. The DUP welcome the launch of this red meat task force and hope that it can identify how best the red meat industry can become more profitable. It is vital that the recommendations made by the task force are implemented to ensure that the fortunes of farmers can improve."
Sinn Féin Assembly Candidate Michelle Gildernew MP and party spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, speaking after attending the Agricultural Task Force, stated: “The figures given by the LMC about profitability and sustainability of farming make depressing reading. Steps need to be taken immediately if our farmers are to be operating on a level playing field with global competitors.”
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For further media information contact Maria McLaughlin, LMC Communications Manager, Tel: 028 9263 3016 or email mmclaughlin@lmcni.com
