CCPC has Important Role in Competition in Cattle & Sheep Processing Sector

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has a critical role to play in assessing the potential impact further consolidation of the cattle and sheep processing sector will have on competition within the sector for farmers.

He made his comments following the announcement of the proposed purchase of Kildare Chilling by Dawn Meats.

“Kildare Chilling as a standalone processing factory for cattle and sheep offers vital competition for farmers selling cattle and sheep,” he said.

IFA has consistently called out the contraction of processing competition in the cattle and sheep sector. This sale of Kildare Chilling would remove another significant standalone plant.

“The CCPC must investigate thoroughly the impact this will have for competition in cattle and sheep processing, taking into consideration consolidation of processing that has occurred in this region in recent years, in particular the ABP/Slaney/ICM alignment,” he said.

The CCPC must ensure maximum competition in the processing of cattle and sheep continues to be provided. Any venture that impacts on this must be rejected.