Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
738. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the growing gap between strong beef export values and returns to primary producers; the actions being taken to ensure fair price transmission along the supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45265/26]
View answer741. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement his Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) and farming organisations, particularly regarding the reported decline in consumer demand for beef steaks and joints; the initiatives planned to boost domestic and EU market demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45268/26]
View answer742. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will conduct or commission an independent review of margins across the beef supply chain, given concerns that farmers are not benefiting proportionately from export performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45269/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 738, 741 and 742 together.
I have no role in determining or intervening in prices at either farmgate or retail level. However, my Department and Bord Bia continue to closely monitor market conditions in the beef and other agri-food sectors, including trade, commodity prices and input costs.
As approximately 90% of Irish beef products are exported, global rather than domestic prices primarily determine farmgate prices for Irish cattle. Higher commodity prices driven by strong demand globally and lower levels of beef supply have driven higher output prices. Certain market segments may react to these prices by switching to less expensive beef cuts or alternative protein products. Bord Bia undertakes ongoing promotion and trade engagement activities to protect beef market share in both domestic and export markets.
It is also important to emphasise that agricultural prices are only one constituent of food prices. Final retail prices also reflect processing, transportation, packaging, marketing, and retail costs.
In relation to price transmission along the beef supply chain, I can advise that my Department previously commissioned an independent review of the price composition along the value chain. This 2021 report is available on my Department's web-site.
The Agri-Food Regulator, established under the aegis of my Department in December 2023, is performing a critical role in providing greater transparency in the operation of the agricultural and food supply chain.
The Regulator has two main functions:
• an enforcement function in relation to unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain with a view to strengthening the position of smaller suppliers against larger buyers with greater bargaining power; and
• a price and market analysis function, aimed at ensuring more transparency and fairness throughout the agri-food supply chain.
In December 2025, I signed new regulations to fulfil a Programme for Government commitment to confer on the Regulator enhanced powers to compel price and market information from agri-food businesses, including exporters and retailers, to ensure additional transparency in the supply chain.
I am satisfied that the new regulations are proportionate and, while the Regulator has no role in setting market prices, it will allow the Regulator to provide further insightful analysis of the agri-food marketplace with a view to strengthening the position of smaller suppliers, having regard to the potential impact on the competitiveness of and competition within retail and food service sectors.
The new regulations will come into force on 31 December 2026. This lead-in period is to allow the Regulator to develop the capacity and the procedures required to deliver on its additional responsibilities under the new regulations.
