Meath Beef Plan held its AGM on Tuesday, January 14th, according to a statement from Eamon Corley.
He said that it was a “constructive” meeting considering the challenges facing beef farmers and the organisation’s internal challenges.
He explained that the following officers were elected;
- Chairman: Eamon Corley;
- Vice-chairman: Hugh Doyle;
- Secretary: Paul Fitzpatrick;
- Assistant Secretary: John Jordon;
- Treasurer: Aidan Maguire;
- PRO: Johnny Keely.
Other committee members include; Brendan Brady, David Gilsenan, Michael McNally, Lisa Foley, Gerry Meegan, Dermot Rowe, Paul Dowdall, Peter Boylan, Colm Meade, Patrick McDermot, Fergal Maguire, Peter Cosgrave, Pat Coogan, Sean McKenna, Ritchie Flynn and Tom Brady.
Motion
“A motion was put forward to go before the newly elected members of the national committee to extend the date for county AGMs to facilitate those counties where county AGMs had not been completed by January 15th and to also extend the date of the national AGM.”
Corley explained that another motion for Beef Plan Meath to run a candidate in the current election failed. “One of the reasons for its defeat was that the funds to support such a campaign were not in place.”
“The support of a number of TDs and councillors was acknowledged during the factory protests. Equally, the absence of support from other TDs was also raised.”
Activities
An account was given of the beef plan activities over the previous year, including the establishment of purchasing group to lower input costs and the formation of Emerald Isle Beef Producers.
The PO, Corley outlined, is now selling cattle, enabling farmers to “come together and take back some control” as regards maximising the price for their produce.
Internal politics
Corley made reference to the internal politics within Beef Plan. “The elections of county committees nationwide and putting candidates forward that were willing to concentrate on the challenges facing farmers, rather than trying to undermine fellow committee members, would be an important step towards sorting out the current difficulties.”
Hugh Doyle decided to take a step back from the role of vice-chair, but after receiving “unanimous support” from the room, he reconsidered and was duly elected Meath vice-chairman.
“He also mentioned the serious injuries sustained by Longwood farmer, Ollie Dixon, during the factory protests in Slane and the members present wished that Ollie would continue to make progress in his bid to recover from his injuries.”
“It was agreed that Councillor Eugene Cassidy’s proposal to put forward that vet fees charged at factories should be paid by the factory and not the farmers. Peadar Tobin’s minimum pricing bill came in for special praise.”
Beef prices
How the organisation would now go about seeking a “viable” solution to the current “unsustainable” beef prices also sparked discussion.
“It was agreed that collective thought from grass-root farmers would have to go into this over the next few months.” the statement concluded.
