Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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158. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on clubs (details supplied) and similar initiatives for the beef sector in the future. [17143/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Club referred to by the Deputy is an integrated calf-to-beef programme that was announced by a dairy processor in collaboration with a meat company in early April.  The programme is a commercial arrangement between both organisations and their respective suppliers.  I understand that the overarching objective is to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of calf-to-beef production in Ireland, with benefits for both dairy and beef farmers.   

I fully support such collaborative initiatives that aim to drive the sustainability, viability, and long-term future development of both the beef and dairy sectors.  I look forward with interest to following the progress of this initiative and would encourage the industry to consider how it can deliver more certainty to farmers about the price they receive for their stock.