The new Beef Task Force should review regulations around offal as a matter of urgency, according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney..
Minister Canney said farmers had raised the issue of offal during their recent protests.
He added: “I have discussed this with the Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed. Farmers feel that offal is controlled by one company and that dominance is not good for the beef industry.”
“There are Statutory Instruments presently in place that limit the distance that offal can be transported. These limits are felt to be too restrictive.
“With the agreement between the processors and the producers, we now have an opportunity for the new Beef Task Force to examine the Statutory Instruments and make recommendations to open up this market.
“This is an opportunity that should not be missed. It is an easy task to bring in a new Statutory Instrument because legislation is not required.”
The agreement struck on September 15 between the farmers and processors included a bonus for steers and heifers aged between 30 and 36 months of 8c per kilo with the current bonus for 30-month cattle increasing from 12c to 20c per kilo.
It also provided for an independent task force and a review of the Quality Payment Grid. Two reports will also be commissioned on market and customer needs, including an analysis of prices along the supply chain.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
September 28 2019