Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There has been major concern over the past two months in the farming community, particularly in the beef and suckler sectors. We have particular added challenges with respect to Brexit, Mercosur and climate change, all of which will affect this sector more than any others. Farm income in this sector is not sustainable. Farmers cannot continue producing cattle at the current low price levels. Suckler farmers are the lifeblood of rural Ireland but we are losing them. Who will manage this land in the future if the activity of farming continues to mean that farmers have less money at the end of the year than at the start of it? What young farmer will consider entering that sector with such low price levels?

There has been much debate in recent months particularly on improving transparency in the beef market and we absolutely need to see progress on that. We have seen the first producer group set up on a legal basis but that needs to work for farmers in order for them to receive better prices for their animals. We need to have confidence that there is a fair distribution of the value of a beef carcase. The beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, is worthwhile but it is disappointing that not all the farmers who could have subscribed to it have subscribed.Like Senator Mulherin, I would like to see an extension of the closing date for the scheme to ensure that the maximum number of farmers can benefit. We should be paying farmers to keep a number of cattle based on farm viability and environmental sustainability. There is a huge concern in regard to a carbon tax on agricultural diesel. This is an important point in the context of the upcoming budget. Unfortunately, there are no electric tractors and no sign of any coming on stream soon. Any increase in agricultural diesel will have a huge impact on farmers. I ask the Leader to have the Minister, Deputy Creed, come to the House to discuss all these important issues, particularly the beef and suckler sector.