Supermarkets Respond to Committee Concerns on Polish Beef Imports

Response from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Declan McAleer MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Room 244, Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
committee.agriculture@niassembly.gov.uk

DAERA Private Office
Room 438 Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road Ballymiscaw
Belfast
BT4 3SB

Date: 4 May 2020

Dear Declan

POLISH BEEF SUPPLY TO SUPERMARKETS

Thank you for your letter of 9th April regarding the supply of Polish beef to supermarkets and support for beef farmers.

I have recently raised my concerns with the main supermarkets following recent reports that a significant shipment of beef was imported into the UK from Poland at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also shared my concerns with the Defra Secretary of State, George Eustice, as well as with Ministers from the other devolved administrations. I am pleased to say that the retailers involved have assured me that they will make every effort to support our local food supply chain, our local farmers and families and encourage people to buy local.

During the course of a more recent meeting with local representatives of the red meat industry, on 10 April, I too expressed my surprise that our local processors appeared unable to meet national demand. I was also very disappointed to learn from recent UFU reports that there has been another case of a local meat processor importing Polish beef.

I am fully aware of the many challenges currently facing our local beef farmers and I can assure you that my Department is giving due consideration to the resilience of both the beef farmer and the processing sector at this time.

In recent days, I have met with industry stakeholders to hear and discuss their concerns, and with the banks to impress on them the need to support the local agricultural industry at this time. My officials are continuing to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry and are assessing the potential support that might be necessary. They are in close and regular contact with Defra as these issues are by no means unique to Northern Ireland and there is the need to co-ordinate efforts across the UK. This is particularly important should we need to present the case to Treasury for funding. I too am also in regular contact with my Ministerial counterparts from across the other UK administrations.

I will continue to liaise with our Finance Minister on additional funding that may be required in the coming months to help support the agricultural industry as a result of COVID-19.

Yours sincerely