Teagasc and five consultancies contracted to advise beef POs
Teagasc and five agricultural consultancies will advise the beef producer organisations which are to be allowed negotiate prices collectively with processors, on behalf of cattle finishers, writes
Announcing contracts for the six groups, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said it is a very important step in allowing primary producers proactively engage with processors in negotiating the supply and sale price of their cattle.
“I am sure that such groups could also play a key role in the future in ensuring that beef is produced to the high standards of food safety, quality and environmental sustainability demanded by consumers.”
He said the contracted groups will firstly provide advice in farm business planning and beef production planning and secondly advice on establishment and recognition of Producer Organisations (POs) as legal entities.
“I wholeheartedly support the implementation and development of Producer Organisations and would strongly encourage farmers to collectively examine the potential benefits.
“I look forward to seeing what I believe will be very positive outcomes from this scheme across this sector in the coming years.”
Information for farmers and other interested stakeholders is available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/beef/beefproducerorganisations/ on the Department website.
The parties approved as facilitators for provision of advisory services to beef POs are Agribusiness and Food Policy Consultants; Clare Consultants t/a Philip Farrelly and Partners; Farrelly and Scully Limited; Livestock Internet Services Limited; Philip Farrelly and Company Limited; and Teagasc.
