Round Table on Development of Beef Sector
IRELAND - The Irish government is to call the beef sector in the country together to set out a strategic approach for the development of the industry in the future.
10 April 2014
2 minute read
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney invited key stakeholders, including farm organisations, beef processors and relevant state agencies to a round table discussion on the future development of the sector on 17 April.
Minister Coveney said: “By some measures the beef sector is Ireland’s biggest indigenous industry, involving more than 100,000 farm families, and 8,000 jobs in processing, sales and marketing, with exports valued of more than €2 billion in 2013.
“Food Harvest 2020 set an initial target of a 20 per cent increase in the value of output for the beef sector.
“The target for beef exports has already been exceeded.
“The time is now right to sit down with key stakeholders in the sector, to consider the strategic approach needed to support its development, using the best available market intelligence, and the newest technology and research to improve performance at all levels of the supply chain.
“The beef sector makes a vital contribution to Irish agri food and to employment and the economy generally. I am convinced that with the right strategic approach and positive collaboration from all of the players, the beef sector in Ireland has a bright future.”
Minister Coveney added that this forum would be a vehicle for positive engagement from all of the main players in the industry on exploiting the opportunities, addressing the challenges, and positioning the sector to fulfil its potential for the future.
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