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The IFA is blocking the Aldi distribution centres in Naas, Co Kildare, on Thursday morning for 12 hours, to protest at there being no beef price rise and what it says is a failing supply chain.
It is demanding a significant and immediate beef price increase to bring the Irish beef price at least in line with the Bord Bia European export benchmark price index.
'Short-changed'
IFA president Joe Healy said that farmers are sick of being short-changed by meat factories and retailers on beef price.
“The supply chain is delivering mega profits for factories and retailers at the expense of farmers. We can have all the reviews we like, but farmers need a price increase now,” he said.
Before any talks last August, the IFA said it insisted that the retailers had to be present, but they refused to take part. “They have a dominant role in a dysfunctional food chain and they have to be held to account,” Healy said.
Beef price
Irish prices are 20c/kg or €80 per animal behind the Bord Bia price tracker and 50c/kg or €180 behind the UK price, according to the IFA.
“To hear Meat Industry Ireland representatives after the beef taskforce talk about the ‘green shoots’ of a market recovery when the grass has been growing under their feet for weeks is an insult to farmers’ intelligence and another delaying tactic.
“Farmers won’t accept any more stalling or a Mickey Mouse price increase. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be at the EU export benchmark price,” he said.
Driving down food prices
Healy said the retail sector has been driving down food prices without any consideration for the impact on primary producers.
“We hear a lot of talk from these retailers about corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Yet, they work hand in glove with processors without any consideration for the impact on farmers,” he said.
“The supply chain is failing and today we are blocking it for 12 hours. We will continue to take action until processors give a significant price increase,” he said.
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