IFA: Government failing to support horticulture sector
The President of the IFA, Tim Cullinan, again found himself at the head of a protest of farmers outside Leinster House on Thursday last, this time making a bid to urge to government to take some action to preserve the horticultural farmers in the country.
The main issue that has arisen for growers is the problem of obtaining a growing medium since the practice of using native peat had been significantly curtailed and, extraordinary as that may seem, Ireland is now having to import it.
The growers previously highlighted their difficulties in getting supplies in July last but nothing whatsoever has been done to alleviate this shortage.
IFA: Market justifies increase in Beef prices
IFA Livestock chairman Brendan Golden said favourable and strengthening market conditions should be coming through in higher beef prices.
Brendan Golden said supplies of finished cattle are tight and factories are actively offering various deals to secure numbers while trying to hold back on base price increases.
“The current base prices for steers and heifers of €4.20/kg and €4.25/kg, respectively, are lagging behind market returns and must move on,” he said.