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It's time this Government stood up for Irish beef farmers - Martin Ferris TD

1,023 views · Published 16 July 2014 · 14:05 · Indexed 19 October 2026

Channel: Sinn Féin · 2014 · News & Politics

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The crisis in the beef industry has caused hardship and stress among producers recently and it seems that the government and Minister Simon Coveney are happy to let the market rule.

"The problem is that the market can be manipulated by the beef barons and by the large multiple retailers who change specification and introduce penalties at will, while the minister sits on his hands.

"The trade of cattle across the island is a traditional agricultural activity for centuries. This is particularly true of trade between the Six Counties and the West.

"Farmers and marts depend on this trade and the consequences of this trade being prevented due to the movement from what is deemed as one member state to another is detrimental for numerous beef farmers.

"The only way to solve this issue practically is to secure a derogation from Europe in relation to the EU beef labelling rules, which will allow for our unique circumstances and will open the way to free trade across the island.

"If the government has abandoned the beef farmer, Sinn Féin has not and will we do all in our power, North and South and in the EU parliament to help Irish farmers."

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