The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has said that the persistent differences between beef prices in Northern Ireland and Great Britain is putting local beef producers at a severe disadvantage to their UK counterparts.
According to the UFU on the week ending January 25, 2025, the price for an R3 steer in Northern Ireland was 51p/kg lower than in GB.
Based on a 380kg carcass, it is a difference of almost £200 per animal for NI producers.
The UFU has said that this is a frustrating difference for Northern Irish beef producers.
Despite 80% of NI’s beef end market going to the UK market and 20% to the EU market, there continues to be a significant price difference.
The UFU also added that, “Following a disappointing discussion with Northern Ireland Meats Exporters Association (NIMEA) regarding the issue, the UFU has now written to NI meat plants to discuss rectifying the price imbalance.”
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy stated that, “At the recent UFU and NIMEA meeting (January 28), NIMEA members failed to offer a satisfactory explanation for the widening price gap. While factors such as transport costs and market conditions have historically contributed to price differences, the current situation is untenable.
“To secure a sustainable future for the NI beef industry, prices must align with Great Britain levels to help farmers manage rising input costs, environmental regulations, and reduced direct support payments.
“Therefore, it’s critical that this matter is addressed promptly.”
Kellie Rouse, the UFU’s policy officer added that “Although beef prices are notably high on average, they need to align with GB prices for beef producers to overcome other factors including expensive input costs, generational renewal, environmental constraints, and declining direct support payments.”
Recently, the UFU held tractor rallies across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide ‘Stop The Family Farm Tax’ campaign.
Under the new tax plan, inherited agriculture assets that were previously exempt from inheritance tax will now be capped at £1 million, and taxed at 20% above this level.
