THE Ulster Farmers' Union has called for a an urgent meeting with the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) following what it is calling a "significant drop" in beef prices.
The union's beef and lamb chairman Robert Davidson said the drop comes when the cost of keeping cattle is at its highest ever level.
He said beef quotes dropped last week "by effectively 12p/kg which is a very significant reduction at any time, but particularly at this time of year". "Time and time again we have stressed to the meat plants that beef producers need a fair and reflective price for their quality produce, a price which covers the rising costs of production," he said. "However, this week's drop is not only creating a lot of uncertainty around the future of Northern Ireland's primary beef industry but has also damaged producer confidence substantially. "The UFU have always said that meat plants and retailers have a responsibility for ensuring that prices being paid to producers are fair. Otherwise, they cannot expect an on-going sustainable supply of our high-quality, locallyproduced beef. Processors should be trying to build confidence in the market, especially if they have a genuine desire to grow and expand their businesses. "The Agri-Food Strategy Board (AFSB) has set out ambitious growth targets for the red meat industry but in order achieve these, all supply chain partners must subscribe to the AFSB's driving ethos of a single supply chain where all partners are profitable. By pulling prices the meat plants are sending a clear message to farmers. If they really are committed to the AFSB and to seeing the red meat industry reach its full potential they must ensure they are consistently paying a fair price to farmers."