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Minister Coveney told the Irish Farmers Journal the next meeting of the Forum will look at the establishment of producer organisations for the beef industry.
"We really need to push forward this idea. It is something I’ve attached a lot of importance to. We’re looking at the structure in terms of how that might work," he said.
If formed, the groups will mediate between farmers and factories.
"I really want to change the relationship between farmers and factories. Farmers can join [these groups] that are recognised by law as entities and can publicly negotiate on spec and price on behalf on them," he said.
He said these producer groups will give farmers more options if they are unhappy with prices.
"If farmers are unhappy with prices, the only option is protest, which is what happened last year. We need a more professional relationship between farmers and the factory to ensure that farmers aren’t just price takers," he said.
"I think we’ll see a number of things [if producer groups are established]. There will be more supply contracts to benefit farmers and factories, and producer organisations will represent hundreds of farmers."
The minister added that membership of these groups will be voluntary.
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Beef Forum progress report from the IFA's perspective
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