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Irish beef prices fell from being among the best in Europe in June to being second from bottom in our main EU export markets in less than three months.
Prices paid to Irish farmers have fallen by 26c/kg over 12 weeks, compared to the European average which increased by 10c/kg during the same period.
Prices in Britain fell by the equivalent of 3c/kg when converted to euro because of sterling weakening.
However, in sterling values they increased from £3.58/kg at the beginning of June to £3.75/kg at the end of August.
Farmer anger
IFA president Joe Healy has warned of farmer anger about the price cuts and he is to meet Minister Creed on the issue next week.
IFA livestock chair Angus Woods said Irish beef farmers are losing close to €2m per week as a result of sterling weakness.
The IFA wants Minster Creed to direct the factories to stop cutting prices. It also wants the CAP crisis reserve fund and market support measures to be used in response to the Brexit crisis.
Also on the table for talks are the live export trade and a commitment that beef be excluded from any EU market access in Mercosur talks.
The organisation has called for a €50/cow bolt-on to the welfare element of BDGP and low-cost loans to be made available to all sectors of farming, including mushrooms.
Irish beef prices off the pace compared with main markets
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