The 10th meeting of the Beef Taskforce took place took place on Thursday 3rd June.
The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation by Bord Bia on the current market situation and outlook, and an overview by the Department on the current status of various EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
In response to an invitation from the Chair, Michael Dowling, representatives from a number of meat processors joined this part of the meeting to discuss the market situation, future challenges and opportunities, and to respond to specific issues raised by Taskforce members.
The meeting also discussed progress on the implementation of actions under the Beef Sector Agreement of September 2019.
Following the meeting, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., commented, “I am encouraged to see the direct engagement between the processors and the Beef Taskforce. As I have previously stated, strong constructive engagement across the supply chain is necessary.”
Three consultancy reports commissioned on market transparency issues formed a key part of the work of the Taskforce.
The first two reports produced by Grant Thornton, on competition law in the beef sector, and on market specifications and requirements, were published earlier this year. The third report on the price composition along the supply chain was will be published on gov.ie later this week.
On the transparency studies, the Minister commented, “I am pleased to see that the three market transparency studies commissioned by the Department are now completed. Notwithstanding the challenges identified in relation to data availability, these reports will act as an important starting point for further work on transparency. I hope that this work will be carried forward by the new Office of the National Food Ombudsman or regulator, to be established by primary legislation.”
As the detailed actions set out in the Beef Sector Agreement are now completed or nearing completion, Minister McConalogue has asked the Independent Chair, Michael Dowling to provide him with a detailed report on the work of the Beef Taskforce.
Note for Editor:
All documentation relating to the Beef Taskforce including minutes, when finalised, will be made available at gov.ie - Beef (www.gov.ie)
ENDS