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The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) is to meet with the EU Commission this week to discuss proposals for support of the Irish suckler sector.
Highlighting the difficulty for farmers in accessing support schemes currently in place will also be on the agenda. The meeting will mark the beginning of an INHFA campaign to deliver “real supports” for the sector.
Suckler-produced beef is a unique product in terms of quality and the manner in which it is reared
INHFA president Colm O’Donnell stated that BDGP, BEEP and BEAM were not delivering for extensive suckler cow systems.
He said the conditionality required had “discriminated against smaller herds on fragmented holdings that forms a major part of our suckler sector, especially in western seaboard counties”.
This was reflected through the low uptake of the three schemes, O’Donnell said.
Changes
He explained that the meeting with EU officials would provide an opportunity to explain why the schemes did not work for suckler farmers. It would also provide a chance to explore “other support options”.
On markets, O’Donnell said: “Suckler-produced beef is a unique product in terms of quality and the manner in which it is reared. These differences will give it a marketing advantage with a consumer, who has become more demanding in terms of animal welfare and our environment.”
SHARING OPTIONS: