Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed the progress made between the IFA and the Minister of Agriculture Simon Coveney.
Deliberations between beef farmers and the meat processing industry have ended positively after lengthy discussions last night.
A nine-hour meeting took place between the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney , who claimed good progress had been mande on a number of contentious issues.
The groups met yesterday evening in Celbridge, Co Kildare for a Beef Forum, chaired by former civil servant Michael Dowling.
Commenting on the agreement announced overnight, Minister of State Joe McHugh TD told Donegal Daily, “I welcome confirmation overnight that an agreement has been reached between beef farmers and the meat processors.
“I understand that both sides will remain within the Quality Assurance Scheme, that weight limits for cattle are to be lifted until January 2016.
“There will be a united front from all involved, including the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, where appropriate, to review age specification of cattle, movement restrictions and residency periods.
“There is no doubt the role our beef industry plays in the Irish economy and the agreement announced this morning should lead to an improved situation for beef farmers and in turn, an improved beef market for Ireland.