Speaking at the AGM in Dublin this week, IFA National Livestock Committee
Chairman Michael Doran said while cattle prices and the prospects for our
beef sector have improved this year, IFA is determined to see the sector
returned to sustained profitability for farmers.

Michael Doran said profitability at farm level is essential if the beef and
livestock sector is to achieve the 20% increase in output value targeted in
the Food Harvest 2020 report.

The IFA livestock Chairman said the following key elements are required to
deliver profitability at farm level;

• Processors must close the price gap with the UK and our continental EU
markets;

• Increasing competition by maximising market access and live export
opportunities;

• Delivery by Bord Bia on promoting Brand Ireland to achieve pride of place
on the supermarket shelf and a premium price for Irish beef;

• Defending the Irish beef sector on the issue of Mercosur and EU import
standards;

• Securing the future of Direct Payments - the Single Farm Payment,
Disadvantaged Areas, REPS, AEOS and the Suckler Welfare scheme;

• Maintaining the national asset that is our 1 million Suckler cow herd; and

• An effective Teagasc programme and an ICBF beef breeding strategy to
deliver improved productivity and efficiency at farm level.

Michael Doran said as well as relentlessly pursuing processors and retailers
for an increase in cattle prices to viable levels, IFA will vigorously
pursue the key elements outlined above to drive profitability at farm level
for beef and livestock farmers.