Members of Beef Plan Movement are hopeful of securing official stakeholder status from the Irish Government in the near future.
It is something the group has been working on for some time.
The organisation’s vice chairman, John Moloney told Agriland: “Former agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue, had indicated to us that official stakeholder status would be considered in the wake of us hosting the annual general meeting and our finances regularly updated.
“These criteria we met in full last year, at which stage we submitted an application seeking due recognition from the minister and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
“It is anticipated that a formal response to this request will be forthcoming in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Beef Plan chair, Eamon Corley, has announced that the organisation is actively seeking to recruit a part-time general manager.
Over the past three years it has amassed a membership of 2,500 farmers from across Ireland.
According to Corley, they have benefitted from various purchasing group deals on essential items such as fuel, electricity, sprays, and fertilisers.
“Throughout this time, the organisation has made several submissions to the government addressing critical issues affecting the viability of beef farming in Ireland.
“The board of directors has established structures designed to enhance the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness, and they now believe the time is right to expand its reach and influence.”
The successful candidate for the general manager role will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently.
Key responsibilities will include representing the organisation at various meetings, engaging with the media, making submissions on behalf of members, and sourcing advantageous deals for the purchasing group.
“We are very excited to announce this new position and are confident that the right candidate will help elevate the Beef Plan Movement to the next level,” Eamon Corley said.
Beef Plan office bearers have noted the current strength of the Irish cattle market. They attribute this development to a general shortage of castle across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
However, they also point out that cattle prices are where they should be. Meanwhile the cost of inputs remains at an historically high level.