The Department of Agriculture must look into increased supports for beef farmers that have taken a disproportionate hit due to a recent reclassification by the agency responsible for grading cattle for beef schemes.
Clare Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley was speaking in the Seanad, to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Pippa Hackett.
Senator Dooley said: “As a result of reclassification by the agency responsible for the grading of cattle for beef schemes, cows, heifers and bulls that would have been given five-star ratings based on the index have been downgraded. This has immediate impacts on the livelihoods of farmers that are trying to navigate a cost-of-living crisis and environment of constant price increases. As a result of the reclassification, many farmers find themselves being significantly disenfranchised and at huge personal financial loss and I want to ask what role can the Department play in mitigating the impact on these farmers.”
Minister Hackett said: “I accept there are challenges for some farmers with this. Ultimately, the purpose of this and the changes in the indexes are, maybe more in the longer term, to support farmers to breed animals that are more productive and that are more profitable. The Department will continue to engage with the breed societies and the farm organisation representatives. We will keep it under continuous examination. Ultimately, we are trying to improve our suckler cow herd and the progeny they produce. I can commit that engagement will continue.”
Senator Dooley concluded: “I believe the Department will have to look at the significant support for farmers who have taken a disproportionate hit in terms of loss of value due to the star rating changes. I would ask the Minister of State and the Minister to consider a programme of compensation that would assist in that. I understand that there are some farmers whose position will improve, and best of luck to them, but I am always concerned about the loser here and those who will take a very significant loss in the short term.”