18 JANUARY 2019

ICSA suckler chairman John Halley has said that the Government needs to be unequivocal in supporting the beleaguered Irish beef sector at a time when the threats from Brexit and ideologically motivated reports is adding to the pressures already caused by low prices.

 “The Taoiseach has yet to admit that he made a major gaffe in undermining Irish beef both in terms of climate change and in terms of health. There is no point in spending money on trying to sell Irish beef on international markets when the leader of the country is advocating eating less of it.”

 “The recent EAT Lancet report refers to the WHO studies which did not establish a link between red meat and cancer but a slightly increased risk involving processed meats probably due to added salt, nitrites etc. We would also question how eating products such as quinoa, tofu, soya and avocados is good for climate change when they involve flying food all over the planet and impacting badly on local environments and communities.”   

 Minister Creed will have to insist that there are no mixed messages coming from the Government. “ICSA is insisting that we need emergency intervention ready to go if the UK goes ahead with a no deal Brexit. There is no room for any equivocation on the Government’s behalf at this time of crisis for the sector.”

 ENDS