Beef prices may have steadied in recent weeks but they remain off the level needed to 'keep beef farmers viable' according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).

According to the ICSA Beef Committee spokesperson, Edmund Graham, farmers are "still not being paid a price that reflects the true value of their cattle or the cost of producing them".

"Standing still at an unsustainable level will not keep any farmer in business," Graham added.

He also said the "reasoning" for potential redundancies in the pipeline at a major processor, in his opinion "did not stack up".

ABP

ABP has entered into a consultation process with around 230 employees, regarding potential redundancies at its cutting and deboning operation in its Waterford facility.

The abattoir is not affected and the facility in Waterford will continue to receive cattle, the business said.

ABP said that the proposed changes were being driven by reduced livestock supply and increasing costs in Ireland.

However, Graham said if supply is tightening, "then the price paid to farmers should be strengthening accordingly".

He added: "That is basic supply and demand. Processors cannot point to reduced numbers on one hand and then refuse to reflect that reality in the price offered to farmers on the other.”

"Instead, farmers are seeing prices held back while reports persist of imported product being used to service orders. If that is the case, processors need to explain it".

Beef supply

ICSA also believes that Irish farmers "cannot be undercut" in their own market while being told supplies are scarce.

Graham added: "Every time prices are forced down or held back, another farmer asks whether it is worth continuing.

"If processors continue to resist paying a proper return, they will only accelerate the decline in supply they now claim to be worried about.”