A meeting of European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers needs to deliver better supports for beef farmers, according to Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
The Deputy said that on Wednesday, agriculture ministers from across Europe will gather by video conference to discuss how best to support stakeholders in the sector as the disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak continues.
“Ultimately, the financial aid previously announced from Europe will not go far enough in supporting beef farmers. European Commissioner Wojciechowski needs to increase this funding.”
“Minister Creed needs to engage with like-minded states to apply pressure on the Commissioner to deliver this badly needed increase in support for the beef sector.
Unfair price for cattle
McConalogue believes the Commission needs to announce market disturbance funding and exceptional aid measures under Articles 219 & 221 of the CAP’s Common Market Organisation Regulation. “Without this the future of the sector looks bleak.”
“Irish beef farmers are not receiving a fair price for their cattle. It is a product, sold worldwide as a premium product but farmers are not receiving a premium price for their hard work.”
“It is important Minister Creed presses home the need for greater supports at the EU Council meeting this week,” he concluded.
