Beef Plan has begun the process of gathering feedback from its members on its next steps following the conclusion of crisis beef talks in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A series of regional committee meetings are taking place this evening (Friday 23 August) at 8pm. at which two representatives from each county will give their views on the progress made at the talks.

These will take place in the following locations:

  • Northwest region - Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo, Co Sligo.
  • Western region - Shamrock Lodge, Athlone, Co Westmeath.
  • Southwest region - Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork.
  • Southeast region - The Workhouse, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.
  • Northeast region - Dooley’s, Edmonstown, Co Louth.
  • Feedback

    Southwest regional chair Dermot O’Brien told the Irish Farmers Journal that the meetings would be an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the talks before county level meetings are held.

    “Our members will ultimately have the say on whether they accept the outcome of the talks or not.

    "I would say that we have made some gains, but on the key issues of market specifications like the 30-month limit, the four-movement rule and the residency period, we haven’t made enough progress.”

    O’Brien said feedback was already coming back that farmers were not entirely happy, although some were willing to accept the small gains.

    He said the talks were extremely difficult, as price could not be discussed - despite it being the topic every farmer wanted tackled.

    Next steps

    “We put 13 points forward and the meat industry addressed some of them, but on the key issues there hasn’t been enough movement. I have a feeling that farmers won’t accept the outcome.”

    O’Brien said in the event the outcome was rejected, he would suggest further discussions with the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to see if all parties could go back to the table.

    “The Beef Plan Movement will not be returning to pickets,” O’Brien stated.

    He called on the meat industry to officially withdraw its legal action against seven individual members of the Beef Plan.

    He said factories had personally identified and isolated some members in a move he said was unacceptable.

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