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In a move designed to tackle severe problems in the beef sector, MEP Mairead McGuinness has called for the European Parliament's agriculture committee to examine the crisis which has led to prolonged protests at meat plants and "despair among farmers".
McGuinness said new “debates should ignite the Commission into action to come forward with a plan for the beef sector which is vital to rural Ireland and rural Europe.
Future
“Every effort must be made by the stakeholders to reach an agreement. But the protests reflect a deep concern among beef farmers about their immediate and long-term future.”
McGuinness has asked for the directorate-general (DG) for competition and the DG for agriculture to come to committee to look at the beef sector across the EU and give some clarity to farmers about future policy development.
Perfect storm
The Midlands-Northwest MEP said: “The perfect storm of weak demand, Brexit uncertainties and increased supply is taking its toll.
"It is abundantly clear that farmers remain price takers, with little power other than that of protest to try and get a price increase.”
Hogan’s exit
Speaking on the inevitable exit of Commissioner Hogan from the agriculture portfolio, McGuinness feels “the incoming commissioner, whoever he or she is, must take up the challenge of the beef sector as a priority".
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