Suckler farmers at this week's Beef Plan Movement meeting in Elphin were critical of the news that Irish beef could be competing with South American beef on UK shop shelves as a result of tariffs in a no-deal Brexit, hailing it as another blow to the sector.
Sean Gormley, Kiltoom, Co Roscommon
Seán Gormley, suckler farmer from Kiltoom, Co Roscommon.
“If that’s the scenario in a no-deal Brexit, we’re in trouble. We can’t compete with the prices they’re bringing Brazilian beef in at.
"Our beef will probably be down to €2.50/kg and we can’t produce at €2.50/kg, not a chance.
“We’d be in serious trouble. Bringing in this Brazilian beef and no traceability or anything like, no regulations, no tagging…it’s just a free-for-all. It would destroy our industry.”
David Creighton, Castlerea, Co Roscommon
David Creighton, suckler farmer, from Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
“I’m horrified to be honest, it’s scary news to hear.
"Us beef farmers are in a bad enough state as things stand. We seem to have been left just to drift and to hear that is scary, we’re in such bad conditions as things are.”
Padraig O’Connor, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon
Padraig O'Connor, suckler farmer from Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon.
“It’s a worrying fact, but I suppose people would have to made aware of the origin of the beef.
"It’s very easy to say they’ll flood the market, but we know our market. Our animals are produced on grass - the best-fed cattle in Europe, not alone Europe, in the world.
“The only way to deal with that is that people are made aware of what environment these [South American] animals are reared in and what the quality of beef is that is coming in.
"The consumer isn’t going to know when it hits his place what sort of a beast it came from.”
Aidan Doorley, Rooskey, Co Roscommon
Aidan Doorley, suckler farmer from Rooskey, Co Roscommon.
“I think nobody has the answers about Brexit, but it’s imminent that there’s going to be changes and I think for any beef or suckler farmer in Ireland, I think it’s a major threat.
"I think our whole industry has never been in such a crisis before. I think we’re at a major crossroads.
“Listening to farmers talk here tonight, everybody is concerned. Suckler farming is at a real low at the moment. The uncertainty I think it major.”
Read more
No-deal Brexit tariffs could increase food prices by 45%, retailers warn
Farmers will pay for Brexit unless supports put in place, warns Dairygold boss
UK plans to open doors to Brazilian beef
Suckler farmers at this week's Beef Plan Movement meeting in Elphin were critical of the news that Irish beef could be competing with South American beef on UK shop shelves as a result of tariffs in a no-deal Brexit, hailing it as another blow to the sector.
Sean Gormley, Kiltoom, Co Roscommon
Seán Gormley, suckler farmer from Kiltoom, Co Roscommon.
“If that’s the scenario in a no-deal Brexit, we’re in trouble. We can’t compete with the prices they’re bringing Brazilian beef in at.
"Our beef will probably be down to €2.50/kg and we can’t produce at €2.50/kg, not a chance.
“We’d be in serious trouble. Bringing in this Brazilian beef and no traceability or anything like, no regulations, no tagging…it’s just a free-for-all. It would destroy our industry.”
David Creighton, Castlerea, Co Roscommon
David Creighton, suckler farmer, from Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
“I’m horrified to be honest, it’s scary news to hear.
"Us beef farmers are in a bad enough state as things stand. We seem to have been left just to drift and to hear that is scary, we’re in such bad conditions as things are.”
Padraig O’Connor, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon
Padraig O'Connor, suckler farmer from Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon.
“It’s a worrying fact, but I suppose people would have to made aware of the origin of the beef.
"It’s very easy to say they’ll flood the market, but we know our market. Our animals are produced on grass - the best-fed cattle in Europe, not alone Europe, in the world.
“The only way to deal with that is that people are made aware of what environment these [South American] animals are reared in and what the quality of beef is that is coming in.
"The consumer isn’t going to know when it hits his place what sort of a beast it came from.”
Aidan Doorley, Rooskey, Co Roscommon
Aidan Doorley, suckler farmer from Rooskey, Co Roscommon.
“I think nobody has the answers about Brexit, but it’s imminent that there’s going to be changes and I think for any beef or suckler farmer in Ireland, I think it’s a major threat.
"I think our whole industry has never been in such a crisis before. I think we’re at a major crossroads.
“Listening to farmers talk here tonight, everybody is concerned. Suckler farming is at a real low at the moment. The uncertainty I think it major.”
Read more
No-deal Brexit tariffs could increase food prices by 45%, retailers warn
Farmers will pay for Brexit unless supports put in place, warns Dairygold boss
UK plans to open doors to Brazilian beef
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