E.U. .COMMISSION RESPONSE ON BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS VINDICATES I.F.A. FINDINGS - WALSHE

IFA President Padraig Walshe has said the response by the EU Commission to consider measures to restrict Brazilian beef imports due to Foot and Mouth risk is a vindication of the IFA’s findings on the failures and shortcomings in Brazil on standards and controls, particularly in relation to Foot and Mouth disease, movements and traceability.

Speaking from a meeting in Strasbourg, Padraig Walshe said the European Commission had finally sought to address the failure of Brazilian beef imports to meet EU standards. Commissioner Kyprianou proposed a significant tightening of restrictions on imports of beef from Brazil at an EU Commission meeting.

Padraig Walshe called on Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to intensify her political efforts to convince member states of the real threat to the European Union from Brazilian beef imports. He said the detail of the restriction, to be approved at the next meeting, would be crucial.

IFA National Livestock Chairman John Bryan, who traveled on both IFA missions to Brazil, said “FMD is endemic in Brazil and I remain convinced that only a total ban would fully safeguard the European herd.”

The FVO have repeatedly confirmed failures in Brazil to meet EU standards. The FVO report fully supports and vindicates the findings of the two IFA/Farmers Journal missions to Brazil in 2006 and in May of this year. He said, “Commissioner Fischer Boel has described the latest FVO report as ‘very critical’ of Brazil.

NORTH CORK I.F.A. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

- By Tony Murphy, PRO North Cork IFA -

A large crowd attended the North Cork IFA Annual General Meeting in the Fermoy Youth Centre on Monday 10th December. This important meeting was chaired by Mr. John Coughlan, County Chairman.

He began by welcoming all members present and our guest speaker Mr. Derek Deane. Mr. John O’Callaghan gave the treasurer’s report and revealed that the finances were in good order.

The secretary, Ms. Mary Twomey Casey, then gave her report. She stated that there is a positive atmosphere, which is largely due to the increased produce price in the dairy and tillage sectors. Hopefully the next twelve months will see a similar turn around for other sectors of agriculture. She also stated that more young people are considering a career in farming as the numbers are increasing in attendance at agricultural colleges.

In his address, the Chairman stated that 2007 has been a remarkable year in some sectors of agriculture. He acknowledged that increased demand for products helped to increase prices, but it is IFA’s job to make sure that the full benefit is passed back to primary producers. He stated that IFA had to call a number of meetings earlier this year to get Glanbia and Dairygold to pass back the full price increases to dairy farmers.

He stated that a milk testing survey was carried out with the co-operation of 55 suppliers during the months of July and August. It involved suppliers from Kerry, Glanbia and Dairygold. Both Dairygold and Kerry had a large percentage of average results to the disadvantage of the suppliers. This was not found to be the case in Glanbia. This situation is unacceptable to suppliers and highlights the need for ISO 17025-accreditation lab. He then thanked all who took part in the survey.

The Chairman stated that the pig sector was having a particularly poor year due to high feed costs and low prices. The sheep producers also had a difficult year; both sectors are affected by imports. Beef farmers are under pressure due to large imports of beef into the EU and into our home market from Brazil. IFA are continuing to highlight the failure of Brazilian beef to meet EU standards.

Guest speaker Mr. Derek Deane then addressed the meeting. He opened his address by referring to the positive price moves in 2007 for both the milk and grain sectors. He said unfortunately, the market for meats was quite disappointing, but in his view, we should see an upturn in 2008, provided we can get restrictions on the imports of Brazilian beef into the EU.

He stated that the EU Commission were in the process of bringing forward proposals to impose restrictions on Brazilian beef and addressed the serious problems which the food and veterinary office had identified in Brazil.

On the new €80 Suckler Cow Quality and Welfare Scheme Mr. Keane said all suckler farmers should make an immediate application under the scheme from 1st January next year. He also said IFA first proposed the new scheme over two years ago and had secured funding of €250m in the partnership negotiations to finance the scheme over the next 5 years.

He stated that IFA had recently presented a 10-point plan for the Irish sheep sector to Mr. Liam Aylward MEP who is preparing a report on the future of the EU sheep sector for the European Parliament. IFA had made proposals to Minister Coughlan on ring fencing the €34m government package for the sheep sector.

On the Farm Waste Management Scheme Mr. Deane advised farmers to move as quickly as possible to have the work completed before the end of 2008. In relation to the Farm Improvement scheme, which is now closed, IFA will be lobbying government to re-open this scheme as soon as possible.

In relation to animal health Derek Deane said that blue tongue is a worry for Irish farmers as it has now reached the east coast of the UK. It is a very nasty disease and can cause 20% fatalities in sheep. He stated that there were only 19 cases of BSE in 2007 and that we are hopeful we have it under control. He then wished every one a good farming year in 2008.

The chairman thanked him for addressing the meeting. The Chairman then moved on to election of officers. There was only one position vacant, that of PRO, and the only nominee to that position was Tony Murphy from Rathcormac. Mr. Murphy was deemed elected and wished well in his position. .

MINISTER COUGHLAN ANNOUNCES NEW ROUND OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUNDING FOR MARKETING AND PROCESSING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Mary Coughlan T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, this week announced that applications are being invited for grant aid under the Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products.

An advertisement outlining the details of the Scheme appeared in the national press on Tuesday, 18th of December and is also available on the Department's website. The closing date for applications is Friday, 15th February 2008. Applications will be invited from: (i) Livestock marts; (ii) Small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments and (iii) Fruit and vegetable processors and preparers.

Grant aid of up to 40% is available and applications will be subject to a competitive assessment and selection process. A maximum grant ceiling may be fixed for individual projects. Minister Coughlan stated that the investments seeking grant aid will be required to demonstrate improved efficiencies, added value, market outlets and contribute to enhanced quality and food safety.

"The Scheme has made a positive contribution to the competitiveness of the industry and to sustaining rural communities. I am confident that this round of funding will stimulate significant investment in the sectors concerned".