Northern Ireland-Meat companies under attack.

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has called for abattoirs across Northern Ireland to create a fair payment system for beef farmers who supply the meat to the companies for processing. He was speaking after the introduction of additional cattle trim on carcasses.

"I understand’, he said, " that the Northern Ireland abattoirs have introduced an additional trim on the stock going through their factories.

"I am informed that these processors are indicating that they are giving an extra 3p/kg for beef prices to compensate for the loss of weight due to the additional trim."

"However, some farmers are suggesting that this additional 3p/kg will soon be absorbed into the normal price structure.

"Instead, they have suggested that it would be more effective to reduce the kill charge which wouldn’t be as easily absorbed into the normal price structure as it can continue to be realised by the producers.

"This would certainly be an alternative that I feel warrants real consideration and one which would reassure our beef farmers that they are getting a fair trade for the meat they are supplying."

Mr Elliott said it was vital that, as members of the agricultural community, farmers worked together to safeguard all their interests at a time of economic crisis.

"Our beef farmers need to see the benefits that will come as result of the additional trim passed down the line.

"By working with the farmers and taking on board their views and ideas, the processors can help empower local suppliers and in turn enhance a relationship which is vital for the agricultural community and, indeed the overall Northern Ireland economy."

He said he firmly believed that beef farmers had put forward a viable solution which would guarantee that the additional trim would benefit everyone, and he looked forward to helping farmers put forward their idea with a view to seeing it implemented as soon as is possible.