By Sean Murphy
FARMERS warn that a decision by a major ferry company to cease live animal exports to France will mean higher meat prices in shops.
After one of the hottest Julys ever, “ongoing dry and hot weather conditions coupled with soaring input costs” could also push up prices of vegetable and potatoes, they have warned.
Crops have endured significant moisture stress, reduced yield potential and increased production costs, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
The ESRI has already warned of higher prices because of the conflict with Iran by Donald Trump’s America.
Now the IFA has warned: “The situation is causing a perfect storm for increased costs.”
Consumers could see the rise in meat costs in their local supermarkets and butchers within weeks, according to experts.
A ferry ban starts next month following a move by Brittany Ferries which was targeted by campaign group Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI).
The campainers described the Brittany Ferries decision as a “major victory for animals”. But Irish Farmers’ Association Donegal representative Joe Sweeney told the Donegal News: “The Brittany Ferries decision is a concern for farmers in the north-west, especially in Donegal.
“We look for live exports to provide greater competition and we have a lot of sales, which means this is massive for Donegal.
“We need access to the Single Market, which means Europe.
“The Department of Agriculture says standards for export are higher than ever, but this could impact prices.”
Joe, from Dunfanaghy, added: “It could affect prices in the supermarket and in the butcher shop for consumers.
“The dairy market needs live exports too. We don’t have a big enough industry here to buy up all the calves, so we have to sell and export so many of them.
“There are other shippers than Brittany Ferries, but one less provider means the other providers’ prices can go up.”
Joe, who is the IFA’s Donegal chairperson, warned: “This can have a knock-on effect and mean higher costs across the board.”
The IFA warned Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon that “many livelihoods are at stake” and appealed that the EU ensures Irish cattle “continue to have unhindered access” to the Single Market.