I request that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to establish an Independent Meat Regulator with statutory powers. The purpose of such an independent regulator will be to have legislative powers to investigate anti-competitive behaviour by meat processors, meat traders, retailers and other bodies, who operate along the meat supply chain and to protect primary producers. A regulator with real powers is required to get a fair share of the retail price for farmers.
Minutes:
It was agreed that Motion No 20 in the name of Councillor Brendan Barry and Motion No 24 in the name of Councillor Paddy Farrell be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brendan Barry;
"I request that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to establish an Independent Meat Regulator with statutory powers. The purpose of such an independent regulator will be to have legislative powers to investigate anti-competitive behaviour by meat processors, meat traders, retailers and other bodies, who operate along the meat supply chain and to protect primary producers. A regulator with real powers is required to get a fair share of the retail price for farmers."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paddy Farrell;
"I ask Leitrim County Council to call on Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to pay attention to movement in beef prices. Factories are reducing their prices now without justification for same. Experts reckon beef prices should be €4.50/kg to break even. We now see quotes at €3.70/kg for top quality animals. We hear a lot about frontline workers nowadays. Suckler and sheep farmers in Leitrim are on the front line continuously caring for their stock. These farmers never know what their income is going to be week in, week out. This conduct by factories cannot continue."
Councillor Brendan Barry gave the background to his motion noting that the National Beef Kill had remained at the same level for the last 7 weeks with an increase last week.
Councillor Enda Stenson and Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion,
Councillor Paddy Farrell gave the background to his motion said he has seen a lot of committees and task forces setup in this regard and feels nothing has been done and there is a lot of bureaucracy.
Councillor Farrell highlighted that from the 1st March, just 6 people can attend a premises where Pedigree Sales are taking place at any one time, this includes an auctioneer and clerk.
Councillor Justin Warnock asked if Councillor Farrell would amend his motion to remove the line regarding frontline workers. Councillor Farrell agreed to this.
Councillor Des Guckian, Felim Gurn, Councillor Sean McGowan, Councillor Sean McDermott and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motions.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Brendan Barry
SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson
It was AGREED Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to establish an Independent Meat Regulator with statutory powers. The purpose of such an independent regulator will be to have legislative powers to investigate anti-competitive behaviour by meat processors, meat traders, retailers and other bodies, who operate along the meat supply chain and to protect primary producers. A regulator with real powers is required to get a fair share of the retail price for farmers.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr.Paddy Farrell
SECONDED by Cllr. Des Guckian
It was AGREED Leitrim County Council call on Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to pay attention to movement in beef prices. Factories are reducing their prices now without justification for same. Experts reckon beef prices should be €4.50/kg to break even. We now see quotes at €3.70/kg for top quality animals. Suckler and sheep farmers in Leitrim are on the front line continuously caring for their stock. These farmers never know what their income is going to be week in, week out. This conduct by factories cannot continue.