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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farm groups calls for end to Beef Taskforce

The ICSA has called for an end to the Beef Market Taskforce.

On the back of this, the farm group believes the priority now must be the establishment of a “strong” beef regulator.

Beef Market Taskforce

ICSA beef chair, Edmund Graham, said:

“Over the course of the Beef Taskforce, it became abundantly clear to ICSA that the position of the primary producer was not being strengthened in any significant way.”

“Existing mechanisms are not delivering fairness for beef farmers. The only way to level the playing field is with a regulator who is equipped with all the necessary powers and resources.”

“We have seen that Grant Thornton were unable to deliver transparency around the price composition of the total value of an animal – including the fifth quarter – along the supply chain.”

“Indeed, it proved to be an impossible task as they simply could not get their hands on the required data.”

“Neither processor nor retailer were compelled to co-operate, and therein lies the difficulty. They must not be allowed to shirk their responsibility towards their suppliers any longer.”

Establish transparency in the beef sector

Competition laws, he added, have also proven to be of “little value”.

He said that it has become evident with the group’s discussions with the CCPC that a “finer instrument” than competition law is required when it comes to the beef sector.

“That instrument must be a regulator – who is knowledgeable about the sector, properly resourced and armed with clear investigative powers.”

“They must have the ability to forensically audit the books. All of this must be backed by robust legislation.”

He said that it has never been more apparent that such legislation is both “necessary and urgent”.

“The duty is now upon Minister McConalogue to ensure such legislation can in fact establish transparency in the beef sector once and for all, in a way that the Taskforce and Grant Thornton could not.”

“While we believe the Beef Taskforce has now reached the end of its natural life, it must not mark the end of dialogue, particularly when it comes to implementing outstanding agreements – most notably the installation of weigh bridges to facilitate live weights at factories.”

 

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