Speaking at the Teagasc National Beef Conference in Kilkenny today, IFA
President John Bryan said with a strong Government policy and an effective
implementation plan for the Food Harvest 2020 Report, up to €450m in
additional profit potential can be delivered for the beef and livestock
sector.

John Bryan said, “Profitability at farm level is essential for the beef and
livestock sector to achieve the 20% increase in output value targeted in the
Food Harvest 2020 Report. It correctly identified the closing of the price
differential between Ireland and other premium competitors in the UK and EU
as the key challenge facing the beef sector.”

On the protection of the Single Farm Payment, John Bryan said it is totally
unreasonable and a non-runner to expect any farmer, who has invested heavily
in their business, to take a cut in their direct payments as a result of CAP
2013. He said, “IFA is very clear that the Single Farm Payment must be fully
protected in the reform and no farmer can lose out.”

John Bryan said, “With the Area Aid closing date set for May 16th, there is
no room for any delay in opening a new AEOS for farmers. The Minister must
make an immediate announcement on a strong AEOS package for the 10,000
farmers leaving REPS3.”

The IFA President also called for funding for a beef efficiency programme
with discussion groups, similar to the successful initiative in the dairy
sector, and an expansion of the Better Farm Programme.

The IFA President said the Association had made a comprehensive submission
to the Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group. The key points are as
follows:

· Processors must close the unacceptable price gap between Irish and UK/ EU
cattle prices on our main export markets in order to return sustainable
profit at farm level;
· Increased cattle price competition by maximising market access and live
export opportunities;
· Cattle price contracts at profitable levels for winter finishers and other
beef production systems;
· Properly rewarding farmers for quality production;
· Delivery by An Bord Bia in developing and promoting the Brand Ireland
concept to achieve pride of place on supermarket shelves and a premium price
for Irish beef;
· A strong Government beef and livestock policy which will secure the future
of direct payments including the Single Farm Payment in CAP 2013,
Disadvantaged Areas, REPS, AEOS and the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme;
· Strongly defending the Irish beef sector in the Mercosur negotiations and
on EU import standards;
· Maintaining and growing the National asset that is our one million head
beef suckler cow herd;
· An effective Teagasc programme and ICBF beef breeding strategy to deliver
improved technical efficiency and productivity at farm level;
· Reducing excessive regulation, bureaucracy and costs on production.