“The prospects for the EU beef market in 2017 are more positive than 2016.”This is the assessment of IFA livestock chair Angus Woods, following meetings in Brussels this week.
“The prospects for the EU beef market in 2017 are more positive than 2016.”
This is the assessment of IFA livestock chair Angus Woods, following meetings in Brussels this week.
Woods said the increase in beef production of 2.6%, driven by a 7% increase in cull cow is as a result of the crisis in the dairy sector. This caused the beef price problems, with EU beef prices falling by about 15c/kg in 2016 over 2015 levels.
EU exports increased in 2016 with Turkey taking over 71,000t, predominately live cattle. This is a business that Ireland participated in during the final quarter of 2016.
Woods also highlighted how the Brexit vote, and drop in the value of sterling, had a disproportionate negative impact on the Irish beef trade, as the UK is the main market for Irish beef.
Brazil
On Brazil, Angus Woods was forceful in his views to the Commission that stronger action was required. He recalled that this issue was first uncovered by IFA a decade ago when they weren’t complying with the standards that are the norm for EU farmers. He said that upcoming audits need “to be thorough, get to the real truth with clear and decisive follow up action”.
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Beef trends: mini-recovery eases pressure
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