IFA Block Retail Distribution Centre to Highlight Broken Beef Supply Chain and Demand Immediate Price Increase
The IFA are this morning protesting at the Aldi distribution centre in Naas, Co Kildare demanding a significant and immediate beef price increase to bring the Irish beef price at least in line with the Bord Bia European Export Benchmark Price Index.
IFA President Joe Healy said that farmers are sick of being short changed by meat factories and retailers on beef price. âThe supply chain is delivering mega profits for factories and retailers at the expense of farmers. We can have all the reviews we like, but farmers need a price increase now,â he said.
Before any talks last August, we insisted that the retailers had to be present, but they refused to take part. âThey have a dominant role in a dysfunctional food chain and they have to be held to account.â
Irish prices are 20c/kg or âŹ80 per animal behind the Bord Bia price tracker, and 50c/kg or âŹ180 behind the UK price. Prices here have been well behind the EU and UK beef price for weeks.
âTo hear Meat Industry Ireland representatives after the Beef Taskforce talk about the âgreen shootsâ of a market recovery when the grass has been growing under their feet for weeks is an insult to farmersâ intelligence and another delaying tactic,â he said.
âFarmers wonât accept any more stalling or a Mickey Mouse price increase. There is no reason why we shouldnât be at the EU Export Benchmark Price,â he said.
âThe retail sector has been driving down food prices without any consideration for the impact on primary producers. We hear a lot of talk from these retailers about Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability. Yet, they work hand in glove with processors without any consideration for the impact on farmers,â he said.
âThe supply chain is failing and today we are blocking it for 12 hours. We will continue to take action until processors give a significant price increase,â he said.