The first meeting of the Beef Roundtable in 2015, involving the key stakeholders in the sector, was chaired by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. this afternoon. The Roundtable focussed on the ongoing implementation of the outcomes agreed at the Roundtable meeting in November, the market outlook for 2015 and strategic issues concerning bull beef production in Ireland.  The Minister also updated on progress as regards the development of Producer Organisation’s in Ireland, a key proposal to emerge from the Roundtable process.

There was a general consensus at today’s meeting that progress was being made in delivering on the outcomes agreed in November, although further work was required in a number of areas and this was accompanied by a strong commitment from all participants to continue this work, supported by the Roundtable process.  Speaking after the meeting this evening, Minister Coveney said “the environment has changed somewhat from the situation we found ourselves in last year.  I was particularly pleased to note the improved market position for 2015 outlined by Bord Bia and the more positive outlook for the coming months. I said after our last meeting in November that it was now time to move on from the difficult relationship which had characterised the sector and start focussing on the opportunities that exist. Today was another important step in that process”.

In relation to bull beef in particular, the Roundtable tasked a stakeholder group, led by Teagasc, with preparing written guidelines for beef farmers which would act as a blueprint for those currently producing bull beef or those considering developing bull beef production systems, taking into account production efficiency and market dynamics. Following presentations from Teagasc and Bord Bia, and on the basis of discussion in the forum, the Minister said “it was clear that bull beef is a specialised production system that is only suitable for particular holdings where farmers have the right type of animals, can meet tight specifications, and have definite supply arrangements with their processors. For these farmers, I want to ensure that they have clear, written guidelines governing all aspects of bull production and market demands so that they can make well informed production decisions based on the best advice available”.

All stakeholders agreed that new market opportunities will be vital in delivering improved returns along the supply chain. In that regard, Minister Coveney updated on plans for next week’s a trade promotion visit to the US where he will launch Irish beef at high profile events in New York, Washington DC and Boston. Commenting on this the Minister said “new markets like the US offer the best potential for growing sales of Irish beef beyond our traditional market outlets and adding value to our excellent product offering. Next week is another step along the way in the US in taking advantage of our first mover advantage.  We are also making progress in discussions with China. The work to strategically position Irish beef on international markets will continue to be a priority of mine”.

Looking forward to the rest of 2015 and beyond, Minister Coveney concluded that, “notwithstanding the many challenges facing the sector, particularly around on-farm profitability, there is certainly cause for more optimism than at any time last year and a degree of confidence is slowly returning to the sector; this is evident from prices in marts and factories in recent months. Building on this momentum, and charting the way forward during both the good and difficult times that undoubtedly await, is the challenge facing the Roundtable, and the 2025 Agri-food Committee on which the members of the Beef Roundtable are also represented. It’s important notwithstanding the improved market and price outlook that we do not become complacent on the challenges facing the sector. I’m confident the farm and industry representatives can rise to meet these challenges”.

Note for editors:

The presentations provided to the Roundtable will be made available on the DAFM website

View this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 16/2015 (pdf 549Kb) 

Date Released: 05 February 2015