Donegal TD and Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is today calling on the Minister for Agriculture to immediately reconvene talks to address the continuing beef crisis.
The beef sector has been engulfed in a dispute over prices for farmers, with protests continuing for a second week at a number of meat factories across the country.
A new group called the Independent Farmers of Ireland met on Monday night to form a delegation to meet with Minister Creed and discuss a resolution.
Deputy McConalogue says it is vital that Minister Creed reconvenes talks to address the continuing crisis.
“I welcome the meeting that took place last night to appoint spokespersons to represent protesting farmers in any reconvened talks,” McConalogue TD said.
“The Minister must now immediately reconvene talks between Meat Processors and these representatives along with representatives of the Beef Plan Movement and all farming organisations. It is also essential that talks on this occasion include retailer representatives.
“The continuing impasse is adding to the crisis in the beef sector and it is only through talks that progress on key issues can be made. New talks must comprehensively address issues such as the 30-month rule, 4 movement rule and the 70 day residency requirement.
“An outcome of reconvened talks should also include a commitment from the Minister to seek additional market disturbance funding from the European Commission to address losses experienced by farmers in recent months.
“The Minister needs to show leadership and bring all stakeholders through this crisis to an agreeable solution. Any continuation of the current situation will not improve the position of anyone involved in the beef sector,” he concluded.
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