The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a complete redefinition of the EU beef market in a matter of weeks and represents a market shock of a magnitude that requires immediate response by the EU Commisson according to Des Morrison, Chairperson of ICMSA’s Livestock Committee.



Mr Morrison said that while the change is temporary and he had no doubt that markets will eventually return to normal, the current situation is that customary market outlets of food service have effectively closed while sales to retail have rocketed.

"The result was that certain cuts are in huge demand while sales for other cuts have plummeted.

“This will settle down but, in the meantime, we have to address an unprecedented market shock and that means taking immediate measures aimed at stabilising the EU beef market and protecting our family farm-based sustainable system of beef production.

"As part of these measures, ICMSA is very emphatically of the view that beef imports from outside the EU should be suspended immediately as they specifically target the steak market which is under most pressure at this time in the absence of a food service market”, said the Livestock Committee Chairperson.

Mr Morrison said that such a suspension is justified based on the exceptional circumstances we find ourselves in and the imperative to protect our own beef sector from this temporary shock until such time as the EU beef market returns to stability. “Profitability in the beef sector is already extremely low and the EU Commission must immediately deliver market measures and action that provides farmers with a level of confidence required to continue to produce high-quality sustainable beef”, concluded Mr. Morrison.

IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell says the Department of Agriculture changes to the TB programme which allow farmers with COVID19 concerns to defer tests without sanction, is an important first step in recognising the challenges faced by farmers. However, he said this will need to be kept under review and amended as the situation evolves.

He said farmers have the additional responsibility of protecting the health and welfare of their animals, which requires 24/7 attention.

“The Department of Agriculture must continue to take a practical view when implementing the TB Eradication programme. The focus should be on the key trade requirements in order to reduce risks to farmers, their families, farm workers and veterinary practitioners,” he said.

IFA has made detailed proposals to the Department, which include issues such as the deferment of tests and the removal of the purchase-in prohibition.

“Access to important medicines and treatments are also key requirements. In this regard the EU Commission confirmation of priority status for Veterinary Medicines is important and should help with continuity of supply of products,” he said.

In relation to the BVD programme, Pat Farrell said critically, we are passed the peak of testing which has reduced the pressures on labs. However, we must also be conscious of minimising the impact on farmers if delays are to arise with testing in the future.

Farmers should continue to take samples and submit them for testing in a timely manner. Any farmers having difficulties in submitting samples can contact their local IFA officers who will provide assistance.

He said the Department of Agriculture must be sympathetic given the unique circumstances and fully utilise the Early Warning System in the provision of support in these cases. IFA officers have a proven track record in assisting farmers in these situations and this must be respected and fully utilised by all Department of Agriculture offices.

ICSA suckler chair Ger O’Brien has said that the necessary closure of all marts on account of Covid-19 is a blow to farmers and hopefully will be for a short period only. “Livestock marts play a vital role in Irish farming and are a critical resource in determining a fair price for farmers. ICSA is concerned that prolonged mart closure would lead to a lot of difficulties for farmers who depend on the service they provide.

The livestock mart provides a level of transparent and open competition for livestock and it gives farmers a realistic view of what livestock are making. Many farmers who do not finish cattle on a commercial scale are very reliant on marts for selling stock and they offer the advantage of allowing farmers to see what stock are worth. Moreover, cattle are weighed properly and farmers can rely on prompt and guaranteed payment. Farmers need to be very careful of dealing on farm and need to be conscious of the risk of cheques bouncing.”

“While farm to farm sales can still take place, it will be vital that marts are available to weigh stock, to facilitate payment and to update the AIM database. This could be a time for innovation in the selling of livestock and farmers who are new to selling cattle need to look at how to offer stock for sale using social media and internet sites. Good photos and accurate information around weights, and ICBF figures in the case of breeding stock are helpful.”

“However, there is no doubt that the closure of marts even for a short period is a blow to farmers and to the rural communities where they are located. Apart from the important commercial considerations, marts have provided a vital social facility for farming people, some of whom have no other social outlet. It is to be hoped that this is a very temporary measure and that the national campaign to slow Covid-19 succeeds sooner rather than later.”

Online Editors