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ICSA CRITICAL OF ANTI-COMPETITIVE MEASURES IN PGI APPLICATION

Aug 17, 2020 | Latest News, Press Releases, Uncategorised | 0 comments

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17 AUGUST 2020

ICSA suckler chair Ger O’Brien has described the travel restriction included in Bord Bia’s application for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Irish Grass Fed Beef as anti-competitive. “The imposition of a two-hour limit on travel time to slaughter will leave many farmers without any choice as to where to sell their cattle. This is a real blow to their ability to shop around for the best return and factories will no doubt be able to exploit this,” he said.

“The pursuit of a PGI for the whole country should mean that you can bring your cattle to any factory within that country. Our livestock haulage systems are well regulated and there is no evidence that a three-hour journey is more detrimental than a two-hour journey. The only losers will be the farmers who are restricted from getting the best price possible.”

“ICSA is also opposed to the exclusion of young bulls. We believe it makes absolutely no sense to bring in a scheme that would militate against quality continental suckler bull beef.”

“ICSA has consistently argued that we should have looked for a PGI designation for suckler only beef and the inclusion of most dairy stock will undermine any chance of a premium price for suckler farmers.”

ENDS

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CONVENING OF NFFSC MUST KICKSTART EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO WEATHER RELATED DIFFICULTIES FACING FARMERS

ICSA president Sean McNamara has said the convening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) tomorrow must kick start an emergency response to the ongoing difficulties facing farmers amidst continuing heavy rainfall. “With any hope of an early spring well and truly dashed and any fodder reserves dwindling fast it is clear this committee needs to rapidly reassess the current situation on the ground, including the extent of the fodder shortages and the impact of continued wet weather on farming operations,” he said.

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