The €100m fund made available for the Beef Emergency Aid Measure (BEAM) represents much-needed support to a sector struggling due to the political decision of the UK and the ongoing negotiation about Brexit creating huge uncertainty. The hard work at both EU and national level of securing this fund was greatly appreciated by farmers, young and old. However, the conditions placed upon the fund by both EU and DAFM are unjust.

While Macra na Feirme welcomes the compensation for the losses to the beef sector required in the wake of Brexit, the choice to exclude farmers with high-quality finished animals based on part of their income coming from dairy is unfair.

There must be a way to administer money to be fair to all farmers who have lost income as a result of a situation outside their control. This means the fund must be paid to all quality cattle slaughtered within the timeframe as laid out.

Despite the fund, there is a continued lack of commitment to the beef sector and the decision by the Climate Change Advisory Council to make a recommendation of cuts to the national herd is both hugely disappointing but also unsurprising. The report focuses not on increased efficiencies in the suckler herd but on gross reductions as these are easier to quantify, regardless of their economic and environmental effects. This is yet another example of a short-sighted recommendation to the agricultural sector when it comes to climate change.

The decision to reduce the national suckler herd will raise questions of the supply of top-grade prime beef and the potential to increase rather than reduce the carbon footprint of beef in Ireland. The report acknowledges the economic vulnerability of the beef sector without comment on the cause. While farmers continue to increase efficiency and reduce both inputs and greenhouse gases, they have been penalised for this by the market and those operating within.

We need more creativity in defining solutions for the future of our beef sector in Ireland to protect our young farmers.