The IFA is seeking “concrete evidence” of a beef cartel operating in Ireland in order to force an investigation by the competition watchdog into the sector.

Despite almost 200 complaints about the beef sector in 2019, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said there was a lack of evidence to investigate the sector.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said it is time to take on the vested interests which have to be held to account.

Whistle-blower

“We have several allegations of anti-competitive behaviour in sectors and we want to gather concrete evidence. Employees of processors or retailers would have protection under whistle-blower legislation and may also be able to benefit from the cartel immunity programme,” he said.

Anyone with evidence of anti-competitive practices or abuse of a dominant position is asked to contact Staines Law in confidence at ifainvestigation@staineslaw.ie.