The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Lobbying Organisation The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Date published 20 Sep, 2018

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Agriculture

Period 1 May, 2018 to 31 Aug, 2018

Specific Details The Economic and Societal Importance of the Irish Suckler Beef Sector

Intended results That this IFA commissioned report would highlight the need for support from Government for the suckler cow. The key finds in the report are as follows The beef sector in Ireland is very significant, accounting for over one-third of all agricultural output and over 20% of total Irish food and drink exports. The value of the beef sector is €2.9bn, with exports growing and exceeding €2.6bn in 2017. The suckler cow herd is distributed throughout the country but particularly dominating in the West, with suckler cows accounting for over 80% of cows in the West. 77,738 cattle farmers make a considerable contribution to the Irish local economy, both through the inputs they purchase and the outputs produced. Cattle farmers spend over €1.5bn annually on agri-inputs, most of which is spent in the local rural economy. The multiplier effect for the beef sector is greater than that of the agriculture sector in general - a €1m increase in beef sector output would generate a further €2.11m in the wider economy and support an additional 16 jobs. Suckler farmers contribute to wider societal sustainability, particularly in marginal or economically disadvantaged areas, where their presence is vital to the social fabric and cultural capital. Ireland punches above its weight when it comes to beef exports, being the largest exporter of beef in the EU and the sixth largest exporter of beef in the world. We produce some of the world's most sustainable beef, with our carbon footprint the fifth lowest in Europe and almost one quarter of the Brazilian footprint for beef. The income situation on suckler farms is unsustainable, with the Teagasc National Farm survey for 2017 showing an average income of only €12,529 in 2017. A number of factors threaten the Irish suckler herd and its future development and sustainability, such as Brexit, Mercosur and CAP budget cuts. A 10% contraction in the suckler herd would lead to a loss in beef output of €145m and a loss of total output in the economy of €305m. Without action there will be implications for the farming community, the vibrancy of rural areas, the agri-input sector, and employment in the beef processing sector and the value of exports from Ireland.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Joe Healy IFA President, Angus Woods IFA Livestock Chairman, Kevin Kinsella IFA Director of Livestock

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? Yes

What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners? To lobby all Oireachtas Members on the finds of the IFA commissioned report and to seek support of Government for the Suckler Cow Herd

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Mass communications

Letter All Senators

Submission All Senators

Letter All TDs

Submission All TDs

Letter All MEPs

Submission All MEPs

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (2-5)

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Pat Deering TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Charlie McConalogue TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Jackie Cahill TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Martin Kenny TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Willie Penrose TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Thomas Pringle TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Paul Daly Senator (Seanad)

Tim Lombard Senator (Seanad)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn Senator (Seanad)

Michelle Mulherin Senator (Seanad)

Shane Ross Minister (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)

Katherine Zappone Minister (Department of Children and Youth Affairs)

Patrick O'Donovan Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)

Michael Healy-Rae TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Simon Coveney Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)

Richard Bruton Minister (Department of Education and Skills)

Brendan Howlin TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Leo Varadkar Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)