Northern Irish beef farmers are disappointed with the market as beef prices have fallen by almost 10 percent over the past 12 months.
Last year, the price of beef farms fell by almost 10 percent, from 377 pence ($ 4.8) per kilogram to 342 pence ($ 4.36) per kilogram. Price reductions occurred simultaneously with rising production costs, and this exerted considerable pressure on profit margins.
The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said that the situation for farmers is “completely unsustainable” and causes “alarm” for the supply chain.
Sam Chesney, Chairman of the Beef and Lamb Sector, said: “Beef imports to Northern Ireland have also grown, although there is still an abundance of local, high-quality, affordable red meat from farm quality.
Undoubtedly, this has affected the price. The government should take note of this, as the current situation jeopardizes the future structure of Northern Ireland family farms. ”
The Ulster Farmers Union wants the government to recognize that the Northern Irish beef sector may require a financial support package similar to that provided to beef producers in the Republic of Ireland.
“The beef sector continues to suffer from the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and is damaging to our industry. We lack clarity regarding our future trade relations and the tariff schedule with the EU after Brexit, and this puts enormous pressure on farmers, their families and their business, ”said the Chairman of the Ulster Beef and Mutton Farmers Union.
