Urgent Progress Required on Northern Trade – IFA

Following the meeting between Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and Northern Ireland Minister Michelle O Neill this week, IFA President Eddie Downey said livestock farmers expect immediate progress on opening up the live trade for cattle to Northern Ireland.

Eddie Downey said earlier this week IFA met with meat processors in Northern Ireland who want the live trade to open up and are prepared to slaughter cattle from the Republic of Ireland provided the necessary labelling arrangements are cleared up. He said branding and labelling options, which meet the EU labelling requirements, have been submitted to the Department of Agriculture.

The IFA President said urgent action is required on this important issue before the autumn cattle trade picks up at the livestock marts where Northern Ireland buyers play a significant role.