A DEAL THAT ends protests by beef farmers has been agreed overnight.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) says that they have “seen movement” on their main demands, as they sought prices comparative with those paid for cattle in the UK.
ICSA President Patrick Kent said that he was pleased to have agreed a deal after two 48-hour protests by farmers outside meat plants.
“The ICSA campaign threatening to withdraw from the Quality Assurance Scheme is yielding real results,” he said.
Weight limits for all cattle are to be lifted until January 2016. There is a commitment that processors, Bord Bia and, where appropriate, the Minister, will seek to persuade customers that the age specification should be changed from 30 months to 36 months.
“There will also be a review of movement restrictions and residency periods which have hampered the mart trade.”
“However, we do have reservations about the proposed changes to the Quality Assurance bonus,” continued Mr. Kent.
However, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has told all parties that any price fixing would be in breach of consumer laws.
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