Today, Wednesday, April 9th, Independent MEP Marian Harkin organised a meeting in Brussels with DG Competition and representatives from the ICOS, IFA and Northern Ireland Livestock Marts and cattle finishers to discuss anti competitive practices by meat factory buyers in the Irish market.

She said:- “We discussed a number of issues and, in particular, labelling and barriers to free trade.  Free trade is fundamental to the efficient operation of the market and when it is interfered with, there are negative outcomes for producers consumers and marketing outlets such as livestock marts.

The livestock marts, and in particular those in the border and western counties, are being badly affected by the restrictive measures which inhibit the traditional purchasing of cattle in the marts to be finished by Northern Ireland feeders, she said.

“It is regrettable that Irish cattle interests have to come to Brussels to seek protection from manipulation of the market and I am hopeful that today’s delegation will result in action from DG Competition and DG Agriculture which will eliminate those unacceptable practices”, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said.