Beef finishers are playing their cards right this week as they push factory buyers for a significant price hike following the EU Commission's decision to ban Brazilian beef imports.  

IFA President, Mr Padraig Walshe has said that after almost 20 years, the scourge of BSE is finally beaten. Last year, 25 cases were identified in Ireland.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan T.D., has today announced that the closing date for submission of applications for funding under the scheme of aid for the marketing and processing of agricultural products has been extended until the 29th of February 2008.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food

Mr Padraig Walshe, IFA President said the Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Stelios Marco Amarante needs to realise that the EU is no longer prepared to accept worthless promises from Brazil over their continuing failure to meet EU standards. The IFA President said promises and commitments from Brazil are no longer credible and will not be tolerated anymore.