One of the directors of Irish Beef Producers, Beef Plan Movements, western chairman, Eoin Donnelly said the reasons for setting up the group was "because we knew there was something fundamentally wrong with our industry". He was speaking at a meeting in Killarney, organised by the Kerry branch of the Beef Plan Movement on Saturday night. As the only Munster county without a beef processing factory there was an attentive turnout of over 150 farmers.
One of the directors of Irish Beef Producers, Beef Plan Movements, western chairman, Eoin Donnelly said the reasons for setting up the group was "because we knew there was something fundamentally wrong with our industry".
He was speaking at a meeting in Killarney, organised by the Kerry branch of the Beef Plan Movement on Saturday night. As the only Munster county without a beef processing factory there was an attentive turnout of over 150 farmers.
Background
During the beef protests and subsequent talks, farmers were told they could not discuss price without breaking competition law but producer organisations offer a way around this the meeting was informed. They have protection from EU competition law that allows farmers collectively negotiate a price for their cattle.
L to R: Eoin Donnelly, western regional chair of Beef Plan Movement, Dermot O'Brien, southwest chair of Beef Plan Movement, and Michael Foley, treasurer, Kerry Beef Plan Movement.
Sanctioned on 11 September, 2019, Irish Beef Producers' primary objective is for farmers to get more for their stock.
The meeting heard that technically Irish beef producers can negotiate a price for all the farmers in the country provided they are members of the organisation.
Rules
This is to ensure the organisation can't be manipulated by individuals. Rules can only be changed by members voting to change them. A minimum number of 20 farmers are required for the group and a committee of five is to be elected within the first year and following on from that election will take place every two years.
Membership
Membership is free but a farmer can only be a member of one producer organisation at any one time. Donnelly envisaged that the only time Irish Beef Producers will not be voluntary is when it gets too big to run voluntary. If that occurs, a maximum fee of €5/head will apply. Members will receive three months’ notice if this happens. If a farmer wishes to leave the purchasing organisation they will also have to give three months’ notice.
Ultimately it's about helping farmers. Bit by bit, region by region, county by county, parish by parish, that’s how it will work.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal after the event, Eoin Donnelly described the workings and objectives of Irish Beef Producers.
"Ultimately it's about helping farmers. Bit by bit, region by region, county by county, parish by parish, that’s how it will work. Farmers coming together, sharing information on cattle that are coming fit for slaughter and working together so that they collectively can get a better price."
Processor engagement
While still in its infancy, Irish Beef Producers were asked if beef processors would be engaging with the new entity, Eoin Donnelly responded:
"Some, but not as much as we would like."
He added: "At the moment there is a glut of cattle. It remains to be seen how long it lasts, if it’s there at all in the first place. But there is a time where we’re going to be sitting around a table with those main processors and we’re going to be able to negotiate a price of beef for our farmers."
Producer Organisations
Irish Beef Producers is one of two producer groups set up by members of the Beef Plan Movement, the other being Emerald Isle Beef Producers.
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