Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) national livestock chairperson Declan Hanrahan has slammed what he called "relentless" beef price cuts, claiming the reductions in prices for cattle are "opportunistic, irresponsible and reckless".

He claimed the price cuts seen in recent weeks are "without basis".

"At a time when beef supplies in the UK and across the EU are extremely tight and demand is strong in these key markets, the behaviour of factories here is unacceptable and must stop," Hanrahan said.

“We are told by Bord Bia and the factories we must be Quality Assured to compete. We have delivered the standards on our farms," he added.

"We have played our part, delivered on our commitments but factories and Bord Bia have yet again come up short for farmers,” the IFA representative claimed.

According to the IFA, Irish prices are currently the worst in the EU, with the organisation claiming Ireland is lagging behind the latest Bord Bia Prime Export Benchmark Price by 24c/kg.

The IFA said that this gap, in real terms, is more likely over 30c/kg behind the markets when recent cuts are factored in.

Hanrahan that said that the current input cost inflation; uncertainty and volatility for supplies; and prices for key inputs for the year ahead, are compounding the issue for beef farmers.

"For factories to ignore the realities of the challenges and costs facing beef farmers, in their opportunistic pursuit of higher margins, is irresponsible and reckless and will not be tolerated," he said.

The IFA said its Livestock Committee members have contacted all meat factories to meet and discuss the recent beef price reductions.

The organisation claimed that none of the factories have responded with a meeting date.

"If factories are not prepared to facilitate meetings with farmers, they may find themselves engaging with us in a different format," Hanrahan remarked.

He also criticised what he claimed was "silence" from Bord Bia on the issue.

Referring to the recent dispute between the IFA and Bord Bia over Larry Murrin, the chairperson of the latter, Hanrahan claimed: "There was no shortage of press releases, media comments and advertising on national radio and television when they tried to undermine farmers’ issues with [its] chair, but not a word...when farmers’ incomes are been destroyed.

“The cuts to beef prices must stop. Factories must stand up and be counted in the marketplace," he added.