MEP Matt Carthy welcomes new beef talks but condemns meat re-importation as ‘provocative and inflammatory’

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has welcomed the news that crisis talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute are set to resume but said it was imperative that Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, brings real and meaningful proposals to the table which will improve the situation for beef farmers.

Matt Carthy said:

“I welcome news that crisis talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute are set to resume.

“However, for any talks to be successful, it is crucial that the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, brings real and meaningful proposals to the table which improves the dire situation faced by beef farmers.

“We have seen an ever-escalating situation in this dispute so far. The move by processors, aided and abetted by An Bord Bia, to re-import beef was a seriously unhelpful and provocative action which has served merely to inflame the situation. It has also allowed the added value on Irish beef to be taken out of the economy.

“It is time that Michael Creed stood up to the bullying behaviour of the corporate processors and defended Irish agriculture and farmers, and any re-importation of beef should be stopped.

“The key to the resolution of this dispute is to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods for Irish beef farmers and that means tackling and resolving the issue of the price they receive for their produce and the dominant position of the factories and retailers in the market chain.”