6.45pm: talks halted early
The crisis beef talks at Backweston have been suspended, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.
A round-table meeting of all farm organisations and Meat Industry Ireland (MII) had been planned for 7pm this evening, but that is not expected to go ahead.
This has arisen because MII decided not to take part in today’s talk because protests were still taking place at factory gates on Monday.
The process now appears to be in stalemate.
Earlier, independent chair Michael Dowling held one-to-one meetings with all of the farm main organisations to hear their views on how the current impasse could be resolved.
The IFA met with the chair this afternoon and said that full engagement had taken place.
After the meeting, IFA president Joe Healy said: “MII now needs to come down off its high horse and re-enter these talks. The only way a resolution will be found will be through negotiations.”
6.40pm: Minister Creed disappointed at factories for pulling out of talks
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has expressed disappointment on Monday evening at the factories pulling out of Monday’s talks, urging the parties to engage in a positive way to resolve the current impasse.
“I have this evening (Monday) engaged with the chairman of the beef talks to receive a report on today’s proceedings.
“MII indicated that it is unwilling to enter talks in circumstances where factory gates continue to be blockaded.
"Despite this, I have made the chairman of the talks available to all parties with a view to determining a basis to get the parties back to the table.
"I remain convinced that that the only way to resolve these significant challenges for the sector is by negotiation, and that progress can be made on key issues if the parties approach talks in a positive spirit.
“I am concerned that today’s events will only serve to entrench positions and risk prolonging this very damaging dispute.
"Processors and farmers are mutually dependent and the future of the beef sector depends on the development of a commercial relationship built on a recognition that this is the case,” he said.
Minister Creed asked Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to “reflect on this reality and to make every effort to avoid action that might lead to a further deterioration in relationships in what is already an intractable dispute”.
The Minister repeated his request that all stakeholders consider their positions carefully.
He said they should “take a step back from action that has the potential to be damaging for the sector as a whole, in order to allow space for meaningful talks to take place”.
5.50pm: Independent Farmers write open letter to Government
The Independent Farmers of Ireland has sent an open letter to the Irish Government, demanding clarity on its position on the continuing beef price protests.
In the letter, the group is seeking formal statements from a number of governmental bodies and individuals, to put on public record what they are doing to remedy the situation in the sector and clarity on whether they are calling on Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to “implement fair pricing and remove anti-competitive practices”.
The following requests were put to Bord Bia:
Development of a mechanism that will ensure that when Bord Bia engages in promotional work overseas, it is for the benefit of the primary producer.Labelling to indicate a fair price for the product.Publish a review of Bord Bia’s overall performance in relation to benefits to smaller producers.Full published accounts indicating the total amount received in levies from beef farmers on an annual basis. Minister Creed and Minister Humphreys, in relation to their departments, have been asked to:
Review existing trade agreements and assess the benefits for primary producers. Support competition by setting up farmer-run processing plants and export groups.Farmers to work with the IDA to secure investment from European processing plants. Why the Government is pursuing policies that depress beef prices through the oversupply of beef from outside of the EU. To ask Minister Creed if he was responsible for the 8 September announcement of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to cancel discussion on the beef dispute.Finally, the letter requests that Teagasc:
Publicise figures from its beef unit and a clear viability result.5.45pm: should beef pricing follow US example?
Phelim O'Neill takes a look at a pricing model from the United States that could work in Ireland.
5pm: Slaney Foods injunctions permanently struck out
Here's a reminder of our story from earlier today about the Slaney Foods injunctions against farmer protesters being struck out in the High Court:
3pm: MACRA ‘disappointed’ at MII withdrawal
Macra has said it is disappointed that Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has adjourned its participation in the beef talks.
Macra president Thomas Duffy said: “We feel the move puts the future of the entire beef sector at risk, as no progress can be made in the absence of the meat industry representatives.
Macra president Thomas Duffy. \ Philip Doyle
“MII needs to return to the talks today, as no resolution can be reached without the participation of all stakeholders. The beef industry has potentially catastrophic events on the horizon.
“With 52 days to Brexit, and the massive shock that a no-deal Brexit will have on the beef industry, active participation from all parties is urgently needed to bring about a resolution,” added Duffy.
1.40pm: ‘Kneejerk decision’ to pull out of talks
ICSA president Edmond Phelan has called on MII to reconsider its “kneejerk decision” to adjourn its participation in the beef crisis talks.
The onus is on the processors now; it is up to them to come to the talks and to bring real offers to the table
“There is still time between now and 7pm this evening [Monday] for a change of stance on this; otherwise they are simply pressing the self-destruct button on the beef industry here.
“The onus is on the processors now; it is up to them to come to the talks and to bring real offers to the table.
“Current beef prices mean that every system of beef farming is losing money.
“The meat industry can no longer ignore the reality that beef farmers have to make a living, because without them making a living, there will be no future for their business either,” he said.
“I would urge MII to get to the table and engage meaningfully with us on these important issues,” he concluded.
12.03pm: Beef factories pull out of beef talks
Meat Industry Ireland (MII) pulled out of Monday’s beef talks until all “illegal blockades” outside meat factories have been lifted.
Some 20 plants representing 80% of processing capacity remain blockaded, a spokesperson for MII said.
“During an initial engagement with the independent chair and Government officials, MII communicated that protesters had failed to step back from factory gate blockades and had instead intensified these illegal blockades.
Protesters at ABP Bandon last week.
“MII requested the minister and independent chair to use their best endeavours to have blockades lifted to enable talks. The MII delegation adjourned its participation in the talks until all illegal blockades are lifted,” the spokesperson said.
“The extent of the continued illegal blockading has placed factory employees in peril of layoffs and prevented beef farmers from having their factory-ready cattle processed.
"Furthermore, the blockades have put in jeopardy national and international customers of Irish beef."
11.20am: Independent Farmers of Ireland: hunger for change
Last week, a new group called the Independent Farmers of Ireland elected four people – Alison De Vere Hunt, Maggie Delahunty, Ger Gough and Pat Kirwan – to represent their interests.
Farmers in the group do not believe any of the farm organisations attending Monday’s talks represent their point of view, including the Beef Plan Movement.
Some of the farmers in the group are refusing to leave the factory gates unless the Independent Farmers of Ireland gets a seat at the table at Monday’s talks.
Irish beef farmers have been in the dark for too long and this situation cannot continue
A spokesperson for the group on Monday said: “We have worked tirelessly in order to gain seats on behalf of the Independent Farmers of Ireland at the round table but as of yet an official invitation has not been issued.
“However, the three representatives have been invited to present their case for a seat to chair Michael Dowling later this morning.
“Minister Creed has always maintained that the peaceful protests must leave the factory gates for talks to begin. However, in any meetings held with the minister the spokespeople have clearly stated that the men and women around the country would not leave the gates until talks concluded successfully,” the spokesperson said.
Meetings were held with all relevant organisations as well as the minister, according to the group, and it said it considered the meetings successful as the message from farmers at the gates was delivered clearly and all parties understood what was being asked.
“We await the outcome of these talks and hopefully all farm organisations will deliver the same key points. Irish beef farmers have been in the dark for too long and this situation cannot continue. The hunger for meaningful change is real,” the group said.
9.45am: Beef prices can be discussed at beef talks – Healy
IFA president Joe Healy. \ Philip Doyle
Beef prices can be discussed at Monday’s round of beef talks, according to IFA president Joe Healy.
Last week, the IFA met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which Healy said put no impediment to cattle prices being discussed at Monday’s beef talks.
Healy said the CCPC confirmed to the IFA that it was not involved in any discussions around the parameters or pre-conditions for the beef talks and it did not, and would not, put any impediment in the way of prices being discussed at the talks.
“Our own legal advice is that under current EU and Irish legislation, prices can be discussed at the meeting," Healy said.
“We made it very clear at the round of talks last month that price had to be part of the discussions. When we attend the talks this afternoon, we will be making price an issue. Farmers cannot survive at prices below the cost of production,” he said.
9.34am: Monday beef talks
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. \ Philip Doyle
Monday's latest round of beef talks are expected to begin with bilateral meetings between the various farm organisations – Beef Plan, IFA, INHFA, ICMSA, Macra, ICOS and ICSA – and Meat Industry Ireland with the talks chaired by Michael Dowling.
A further round of talks is then expected to commence on Monday evening in which all parties will be in the same round.
Read more
Factories pull out of beef talks over protests
Beef prices can be discussed at beef talks – Healy
Farmers target Goodman-owned pet food plant
6.45pm: talks halted early
The crisis beef talks at Backweston have been suspended, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.
A round-table meeting of all farm organisations and Meat Industry Ireland (MII) had been planned for 7pm this evening, but that is not expected to go ahead.
This has arisen because MII decided not to take part in today’s talk because protests were still taking place at factory gates on Monday.
The process now appears to be in stalemate.
Earlier, independent chair Michael Dowling held one-to-one meetings with all of the farm main organisations to hear their views on how the current impasse could be resolved.
The IFA met with the chair this afternoon and said that full engagement had taken place.
After the meeting, IFA president Joe Healy said: “MII now needs to come down off its high horse and re-enter these talks. The only way a resolution will be found will be through negotiations.”
6.40pm: Minister Creed disappointed at factories for pulling out of talks
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has expressed disappointment on Monday evening at the factories pulling out of Monday’s talks, urging the parties to engage in a positive way to resolve the current impasse.
“I have this evening (Monday) engaged with the chairman of the beef talks to receive a report on today’s proceedings.
“MII indicated that it is unwilling to enter talks in circumstances where factory gates continue to be blockaded.
"Despite this, I have made the chairman of the talks available to all parties with a view to determining a basis to get the parties back to the table.
"I remain convinced that that the only way to resolve these significant challenges for the sector is by negotiation, and that progress can be made on key issues if the parties approach talks in a positive spirit.
“I am concerned that today’s events will only serve to entrench positions and risk prolonging this very damaging dispute.
"Processors and farmers are mutually dependent and the future of the beef sector depends on the development of a commercial relationship built on a recognition that this is the case,” he said.
Minister Creed asked Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to “reflect on this reality and to make every effort to avoid action that might lead to a further deterioration in relationships in what is already an intractable dispute”.
The Minister repeated his request that all stakeholders consider their positions carefully.
He said they should “take a step back from action that has the potential to be damaging for the sector as a whole, in order to allow space for meaningful talks to take place”.
5.50pm: Independent Farmers write open letter to Government
The Independent Farmers of Ireland has sent an open letter to the Irish Government, demanding clarity on its position on the continuing beef price protests.
In the letter, the group is seeking formal statements from a number of governmental bodies and individuals, to put on public record what they are doing to remedy the situation in the sector and clarity on whether they are calling on Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to “implement fair pricing and remove anti-competitive practices”.
The following requests were put to Bord Bia:
Development of a mechanism that will ensure that when Bord Bia engages in promotional work overseas, it is for the benefit of the primary producer.Labelling to indicate a fair price for the product.Publish a review of Bord Bia’s overall performance in relation to benefits to smaller producers.Full published accounts indicating the total amount received in levies from beef farmers on an annual basis. Minister Creed and Minister Humphreys, in relation to their departments, have been asked to:
Review existing trade agreements and assess the benefits for primary producers. Support competition by setting up farmer-run processing plants and export groups.Farmers to work with the IDA to secure investment from European processing plants. Why the Government is pursuing policies that depress beef prices through the oversupply of beef from outside of the EU. To ask Minister Creed if he was responsible for the 8 September announcement of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to cancel discussion on the beef dispute.Finally, the letter requests that Teagasc:
Publicise figures from its beef unit and a clear viability result.5.45pm: should beef pricing follow US example?
Phelim O'Neill takes a look at a pricing model from the United States that could work in Ireland.
5pm: Slaney Foods injunctions permanently struck out
Here's a reminder of our story from earlier today about the Slaney Foods injunctions against farmer protesters being struck out in the High Court:
3pm: MACRA ‘disappointed’ at MII withdrawal
Macra has said it is disappointed that Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has adjourned its participation in the beef talks.
Macra president Thomas Duffy said: “We feel the move puts the future of the entire beef sector at risk, as no progress can be made in the absence of the meat industry representatives.
Macra president Thomas Duffy. \ Philip Doyle
“MII needs to return to the talks today, as no resolution can be reached without the participation of all stakeholders. The beef industry has potentially catastrophic events on the horizon.
“With 52 days to Brexit, and the massive shock that a no-deal Brexit will have on the beef industry, active participation from all parties is urgently needed to bring about a resolution,” added Duffy.
1.40pm: ‘Kneejerk decision’ to pull out of talks
ICSA president Edmond Phelan has called on MII to reconsider its “kneejerk decision” to adjourn its participation in the beef crisis talks.
The onus is on the processors now; it is up to them to come to the talks and to bring real offers to the table
“There is still time between now and 7pm this evening [Monday] for a change of stance on this; otherwise they are simply pressing the self-destruct button on the beef industry here.
“The onus is on the processors now; it is up to them to come to the talks and to bring real offers to the table.
“Current beef prices mean that every system of beef farming is losing money.
“The meat industry can no longer ignore the reality that beef farmers have to make a living, because without them making a living, there will be no future for their business either,” he said.
“I would urge MII to get to the table and engage meaningfully with us on these important issues,” he concluded.
12.03pm: Beef factories pull out of beef talks
Meat Industry Ireland (MII) pulled out of Monday’s beef talks until all “illegal blockades” outside meat factories have been lifted.
Some 20 plants representing 80% of processing capacity remain blockaded, a spokesperson for MII said.
“During an initial engagement with the independent chair and Government officials, MII communicated that protesters had failed to step back from factory gate blockades and had instead intensified these illegal blockades.
Protesters at ABP Bandon last week.
“MII requested the minister and independent chair to use their best endeavours to have blockades lifted to enable talks. The MII delegation adjourned its participation in the talks until all illegal blockades are lifted,” the spokesperson said.
“The extent of the continued illegal blockading has placed factory employees in peril of layoffs and prevented beef farmers from having their factory-ready cattle processed.
"Furthermore, the blockades have put in jeopardy national and international customers of Irish beef."
11.20am: Independent Farmers of Ireland: hunger for change
Last week, a new group called the Independent Farmers of Ireland elected four people – Alison De Vere Hunt, Maggie Delahunty, Ger Gough and Pat Kirwan – to represent their interests.
Farmers in the group do not believe any of the farm organisations attending Monday’s talks represent their point of view, including the Beef Plan Movement.
Some of the farmers in the group are refusing to leave the factory gates unless the Independent Farmers of Ireland gets a seat at the table at Monday’s talks.
Irish beef farmers have been in the dark for too long and this situation cannot continue
A spokesperson for the group on Monday said: “We have worked tirelessly in order to gain seats on behalf of the Independent Farmers of Ireland at the round table but as of yet an official invitation has not been issued.
“However, the three representatives have been invited to present their case for a seat to chair Michael Dowling later this morning.
“Minister Creed has always maintained that the peaceful protests must leave the factory gates for talks to begin. However, in any meetings held with the minister the spokespeople have clearly stated that the men and women around the country would not leave the gates until talks concluded successfully,” the spokesperson said.
Meetings were held with all relevant organisations as well as the minister, according to the group, and it said it considered the meetings successful as the message from farmers at the gates was delivered clearly and all parties understood what was being asked.
“We await the outcome of these talks and hopefully all farm organisations will deliver the same key points. Irish beef farmers have been in the dark for too long and this situation cannot continue. The hunger for meaningful change is real,” the group said.
9.45am: Beef prices can be discussed at beef talks – Healy
IFA president Joe Healy. \ Philip Doyle
Beef prices can be discussed at Monday’s round of beef talks, according to IFA president Joe Healy.
Last week, the IFA met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which Healy said put no impediment to cattle prices being discussed at Monday’s beef talks.
Healy said the CCPC confirmed to the IFA that it was not involved in any discussions around the parameters or pre-conditions for the beef talks and it did not, and would not, put any impediment in the way of prices being discussed at the talks.
“Our own legal advice is that under current EU and Irish legislation, prices can be discussed at the meeting," Healy said.
“We made it very clear at the round of talks last month that price had to be part of the discussions. When we attend the talks this afternoon, we will be making price an issue. Farmers cannot survive at prices below the cost of production,” he said.
9.34am: Monday beef talks
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. \ Philip Doyle
Monday's latest round of beef talks are expected to begin with bilateral meetings between the various farm organisations – Beef Plan, IFA, INHFA, ICMSA, Macra, ICOS and ICSA – and Meat Industry Ireland with the talks chaired by Michael Dowling.
A further round of talks is then expected to commence on Monday evening in which all parties will be in the same round.
Read more
Factories pull out of beef talks over protests
Beef prices can be discussed at beef talks – Healy
Farmers target Goodman-owned pet food plant
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: