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03/10/2007
Red Meat Producers Losing £260m Annually
A report on the red meat industry says that the NI industry is losing £260m a year and jobs are threatened by cheaper meat imports.
The Red Meat Task Force report prompted calls for supermarkets to pay more for locally produced beef, or face the prospect of the collapse of the local market.
UFU President Kenneth Sharkey said the report has provided "irrefutable evidence" that without a radical new approach, high quality beef and lamb production in Northern Ireland will disappear because of the chronic losses being incurred by livestock farmers.
Mr Sharkey said: “This Report confirms beyond any doubt what producers already know; that they are losing enormous sums of money while processors and retailers enjoy a profitable position in the supply chain for local beef and lamb. That in itself is a disgraceful situation, but the task now is to find a positive way forward for the industry”.
Mr Sharkey added: “This independent Report has proven that local livestock farmers are losing £180 million each year. The report illustrates that, at current price levels, even the most efficient producers can not make a profit from producing high quality beef and lamb. These are shocking facts.”
He said radical thinking is now required to create a future for the local beef and sheep industry: “The Taskforce Report tells us where we are today, but everyone in the supply chain must urgently demonstrate the vision and commitment to make change happen and create a viable beef and sheep industry, which is so important to the Northern Ireland economy and rural communities”.
Mr Sharkey challenged retailers to put "contracts on the table to secure the supply of locally produced beef and lamb, otherwise their customers will eventually be denied the choice of local product and Northern Ireland will lose one of its finest industries.
"We must make a success of our unique selling position, high quality beef and lamb from environmentally and animal welfare friendly suckler cow herds and sheep flocks”.
(SP)
The Red Meat Task Force report prompted calls for supermarkets to pay more for locally produced beef, or face the prospect of the collapse of the local market.
UFU President Kenneth Sharkey said the report has provided "irrefutable evidence" that without a radical new approach, high quality beef and lamb production in Northern Ireland will disappear because of the chronic losses being incurred by livestock farmers.
Mr Sharkey said: “This Report confirms beyond any doubt what producers already know; that they are losing enormous sums of money while processors and retailers enjoy a profitable position in the supply chain for local beef and lamb. That in itself is a disgraceful situation, but the task now is to find a positive way forward for the industry”.
Mr Sharkey added: “This independent Report has proven that local livestock farmers are losing £180 million each year. The report illustrates that, at current price levels, even the most efficient producers can not make a profit from producing high quality beef and lamb. These are shocking facts.”
He said radical thinking is now required to create a future for the local beef and sheep industry: “The Taskforce Report tells us where we are today, but everyone in the supply chain must urgently demonstrate the vision and commitment to make change happen and create a viable beef and sheep industry, which is so important to the Northern Ireland economy and rural communities”.
Mr Sharkey challenged retailers to put "contracts on the table to secure the supply of locally produced beef and lamb, otherwise their customers will eventually be denied the choice of local product and Northern Ireland will lose one of its finest industries.
"We must make a success of our unique selling position, high quality beef and lamb from environmentally and animal welfare friendly suckler cow herds and sheep flocks”.
(SP)
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What's The Beef? Tesco Launches 'Finest' Local Abderdeen Angus
Supermarket giant, Tesco, has thrown its considerable weight behind a new campaign to boost the local agriculture industry by launching a new beef campaign, 'Tesco Finest Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus' in all its stores with fresh meat counters.
What's The Beef? Tesco Launches 'Finest' Local Abderdeen Angus
Supermarket giant, Tesco, has thrown its considerable weight behind a new campaign to boost the local agriculture industry by launching a new beef campaign, 'Tesco Finest Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus' in all its stores with fresh meat counters.
03 May 2006
NI beef exports resume after 10-year EU ban
Northern Ireland farmers are today beginning to resume the exportation of beef to Europe after the lifting of the 10-year ban, which was imposed after BSE was discovered in the UK.
NI beef exports resume after 10-year EU ban
Northern Ireland farmers are today beginning to resume the exportation of beef to Europe after the lifting of the 10-year ban, which was imposed after BSE was discovered in the UK.
10 May 2006
Balmoral Show gets underway in Belfast
Northern Ireland's most prestigious agricultural show has got underway today at the King's Hall in Belfast. Over 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the 138th Balmoral Show, which plays host to one of the most highly acclaimed livestock competitions in Ireland, trade exhibitions and international show-jumping.
Balmoral Show gets underway in Belfast
Northern Ireland's most prestigious agricultural show has got underway today at the King's Hall in Belfast. Over 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the 138th Balmoral Show, which plays host to one of the most highly acclaimed livestock competitions in Ireland, trade exhibitions and international show-jumping.
29 November 2010
Assured Beef Supplies To Boost NI Trade?
The National Beef Association (NBA) expects dramatic changes on the world market to drag the domestic multiple retail companies most anxious to secure regular access to assured supplies of UK origin beef into urgently re-constructing their approach to purchasing.
Assured Beef Supplies To Boost NI Trade?
The National Beef Association (NBA) expects dramatic changes on the world market to drag the domestic multiple retail companies most anxious to secure regular access to assured supplies of UK origin beef into urgently re-constructing their approach to purchasing.
19 June 2019
China Agrees Access For NI Beef
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland has welcomed China's decision to grant market access for UK beef exporters by the end of this year.
China Agrees Access For NI Beef
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland has welcomed China's decision to grant market access for UK beef exporters by the end of this year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
