Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Development of the Sheep Sector: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Joe Burke:

Forgive me for jumping in, but the exception we saw in recent years was when we visited the US market. That is one where we would have an opportunity to sell heavier cuts, many of which end up in the food service market that we discussed. At relatively high price points, that is one that has offered potential. Although it will not take every lamb or every heavy lamb, there will be opportunities for certain cuts. Some of them may even be outside the ideal specification that the European market, in particular, is looking for. It is fair to say that, in general, the retail market in particular wants a certain size of cut and to hit a certain price point. The food service market may be more forgiving as regards the specification, but that is a more competitive market that does not pay as high a price. That also has been part of the rationale for the lower prices or discounts that are available for those heavier sheep and heavier carcases.

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