The Ulster Farmers’ Union says the longer than normal winter conditions are wiping out profits in the beef sector. UFU Beef and Lamb representative Ray Elkin made the comments in Brussels where he met with producers from other EU Member States.
Ray Elkin told members of COPA’s Beefmeat Working Party that producers costs are much higher than previous years due to rising feed costs and prolonged winter conditions. He said;” Beef market prices have rallied in recent times, spurred on by the impact of the horsemeat scandal, with consumers and retailers increasing their demand for our farm quality assured local beef product. Unfortunately the benefits are being offset by the extraordinarily high input costs which producers are having to pay for as the cold weather continues. Feed stocks are in very short supply due to a poor harvest last summer and now an extended winter of cold and wet weather”.
“The lack of profitability is a problem across Member States and there was a clear message from beef producers in many European countries that political decisions need to be made to safeguard EU production. It is in everyone’s interest to have a strong European beef sector; not a fragile industry with a lack of confidence among producers. The forthcoming negotiations on the reform of the CAP must take account of this situation and deliver an outcome which will give our beef producers a greater confidence in the future of the sector”.
COPA, which is the umbrella organisation for European Farming Union’s, regularly invites producers to Brussels to discuss market conditions. UFU Policy Officer Gill Gallagher also attended the meeting.
