The downward spiral of beef prices is now a national issue, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union, after meeting with their counterparts from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland this week.

After meeting with farming union leaders from the Irish Farmers’ Association, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, and the National Farmers’ Union at a Presidential Summit in London on the current beef situation, UFU President Ian Marshall:“The Northern Ireland beef industry is closely linked with that of Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and the severity of the situation facing beef farmers across all regions was highlighted at this joint meeting. Confidence amongst beef farmers is worryingly low and we have the current market situation thank for that.

“Consumers made it clear during horsegate that they value shorter supply chains, with provenance high on their agenda. At that time major retailers made statements of the importance of economically sustainable supply chains and a commitment to build confidence with producers for a long term supply of beef.

“With a reduced beef supply forecast as we reach the end of the year, and with fewer cattle coming forward, there needs to be a change of attitude and a realization that beef farmers have no option but to work to a long term plan.

It’s impossible to work to do that when everyone else is thinking in the short term. It is a cliché that we have used before, but the beef supply is not a tap that can be turned on and off at a moment’s notice. We agreed that meetings with processors and retailers should be organised as a matter of urgency to highlight the gravity of the situation in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.” At the meeting, the UFU President and the UFU Beef and Lamb Chairman, Robert Davidson met with UK and Irish farming union counterparts to discuss a wide range of issues including the Common Agriculture Policy and abattoir charges.

There was unanimous agreement that the current downward spiral of farm gate prices was causing serious damage to farmers’ confidence and that retailers, processors and caterers should all take responsibility for the decisions they make and the impact those decisions have on the sustainability of the beef sector.