Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Hearty concerns on beef return must be listened to - Hearty

Published: 15 September, 2009

Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty has said that the farming community must stand united in order to get a better return for their beef. Cllr Hearty was speaking after a meeting organised by PricewaterhouseCooper regarding the Livestock and Meat Commission in the Tí Chulainn centre, Mullach Bán, South Armagh.

Cllr Hearty said,

"This meeting was very well attended with farmers from all over South Armagh. The meeting was about the future of the LMC, the role of the LMC and whether they are doing enough for the beef industry.

"There was a good debate about the LMC, but all farmers agreed that they could do a lot more to help the beef industry. Some even suggested that they work more in favour of the producers than the farmer.

Cllr Hearty outlined concerns that there is a considerable difference in the price that farmers receive in England, Scotland and the North,

"Beef is worth 30p more in Scotland and 25p more in England, why is that so? Our beef is of the highest standard and is farm quality assured.

"There are a lot of questions to be answered when you consider that beef is often imported here from Scotland.

"Following this meeting I feel that there is now an opportunity for the farming community to set up their own committee to represent themselves. If it is a case that the LMC are tied to the EU and government regulations and can't lobby hard for beef, then maybe there is an opportunity for the farming community to come together and set up their own group. I certainly would support that.

"I do believe that there is a role for the LMC, there is a need for them but there is also a need for improvements