European Association of Livestock Markets Annual General Meeting Athlone, Co Roscommon IRELAND

Transcription

1 European Association of Livestock Markets Annual General Meeting 2015 Athlone, Co Roscommon IRELAND

2 11:30-13:00 Dairy Farm visit 13:30 14:45 Lunch at Yew Tree Restaurant, Lecarrow 15:15 17:00 Local Sheep Farm Visit 20:00 Dinner in L Escale Restaurant, Hodson Bay Hotel Day 1: Program of the day

3 It was firstly introduced the dairying activity in co. Roscommon. County Roscommon is one of the smallest county for what regards dairy production and also one with the lowest density of dairy farmers in Ireland. There are approximately 100 farmers, with and average size herd of cows; ten new farmers started their activities in the last 5 years. These ten new farmers own larger farms respect to the average in the County, with 140 cows. The target for co. Roscommon is increasing milk production by 20%. This target is feasible due to the land quality, which is really good, especially in the Mid/South of the county. There are however some constraints: age of the farmers and lack of successors (despite some young farmers are starting), the land mobility and the investment required to start the activity. The farm visited was purchased in 2012 and it spreads for 85 hectares. The farm soil was sampled in 2013 and, in that year, 80 hectares were reseeded with monocultures. The 40 units rotating milking facility was built in July 2013 and in March 2014 the milk production started. In September 2014, housing facilities were built (300 cubicles and the lagoon to collect manure). The development costs can be seen in the table below: Legal fees/ bank fees etc 54,332 Lime 8,250 Water system for paddocks 24,400 Fencing for paddocks (1.1 /metre) 15,000 Reseeding/spraying 60,000 Roadways (8 /m) 17,000 ESB (Power supply)- 3 phases 14, point rotary parlour/shed 245,000 25,000 L milk tank 33,000 Wiring/Plumbing 12,000 From mid-february until mid November, cows are kept outside for three hours after milking (it was seen that after three hours, animals strat to lay down). In mid-february the calving period starts; in April, there is the breeding period (different colours on the tail indicate heat/insemination). Lagoon 30,000 Silage slab 10,000 Cubicle shed-350 spaces 140,000 (240,000 ) Stock (300 heifers at 1,000 each) 300,000 Contingency 30,000 Total 992,982 Cost/cow considering 330 cows 3,009/ cow Day 1: Visit at Patrick Hickey s Dairy Farm (Midlands Dairy Group)

4 Queueing in and out to enjoy the milking rotary parlour! Cows are milked twice a day for 9-10 minutes each. «The lagoon» Cubicle shed: 350 spaces! Day 1: Visit at Patrick Hickey s Dairy Farm (Midlands Dairy Group)

5 How does it work? The farmer books the arrival of the livestock one week in advance. Once the animals arrive, the ID and the passports are checked and a number and a letter is assigned to every animal. Both the numbers and letters that are put on the animals back relate on how the animals are presented for sale, e.g. animals with just the number 1, 2, 3, etc. means this is the first animal or animals (there can be more than one with the same number on their back) that are presented for sale from that holding pen 1,2,3, etc. etc. Animals with 1a, 2a,3a,etc.etc means the second animal or animals from that particular pen to be presented in the ring for sale. The same process for all other pens and lots is repeated. are attached on the back of the animal. All documents are left at the entrance. After the purchase, the new owner collects the passport and a pass to leave the livestock market. Payment is possible within three days from purchase and the commission is 2%. Every mart has, by regulation, to operate a "client account" meaning that the seller is always guaranteed payment for the stock sold. Day 1: Visit at Roscommon Livestock Market

6 The farm owner prowdly stated that he sells juicy and good quality lambs, exclusively grass fed! The farm is located 100mt above sea level, no mountains are around and the fields are quite exposed to weather conditions. Sheep are housed from the 1st week of December until the 1st week of March and a total number of 260 sheep can be hosted indoor. Ewes diet changes four weeks before lambing, when a high proteic diet is administered (30% soja). Lambing occurrs in March and once the ewes have given birth, they are left outdoor. Around the 10th July, lambs are weaned. At the moment of the AEMB visit (mid-may), 300 ewes and 340 lambs are hosted on farm. Lambs will be sold at 6 months of age (or weeks af age to the slaughterhouse), as well as some ewes until the number of the animal reaches 260, in order to fit in the stable for the winter. Some sucker cows are also hosted on farm, they are also grass fed. The tag of the lambs include information such as: weight at birth, breed, sex, mother s tag number. Weight at birth and the weight increase vary based on the number of animals delivered: Single lamb: average birth weight 6 kg; average increase of 350 gr/day; Twin lambs: average birth weight 5 kg; average increase 300 gr/day; Triplets: average birth weight 4,5kg; average increase 285 gr/day. Due to the presence of a slaughterhouse few miles away from the farm, animals are not sold through the livestock market. Day 1: Visit at Sheep Farm

7 Time to enjoy lovely food. Day 1: Dinner and entertainment!

8 .and amazing live Irish music!! Day 1: Dinner and entertainment!

9 9:30-9:40 09:40 10:15 10:15 10:50 10:50 11:30 Opening Address by Mr Michael Spellman, President, AEMB Mr Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia The Marketing of Ireland s Live Exports of Cattle and Sheep Mr John Horgan, M.D. Kepak Group Ireland s International Beef Sales Who s buying our beef? Mr Michael Sheahan SSVI Department of Agriculture Food and Marine Safeguarding and Certifying Ireland s International Live Exports 11:30-12:10 EU Agricultural Commissioner, Phil Hogan :00 Mr Darren Carthy, Livestock Specialist for Mart- Watch Irish Farmers Journal MartWatch 14:15 15:15 AEMB Board Meeting 15:15 16:30 AEMB AGM Program of the day

10 Words from the President, Mr Michael Spellman «Honoured guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have delegates and guests from as far afield as Bulgaria, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland and I welcome all of you to Ireland. Closer to home we have valued members of ICOS from all over Ireland and I welcome all to my native county Roscommon and the lovely Hodson Bay Hotel. This is the 31st Annual Conference and AGM of the European Association of Livestock Markets as on the 14th June 1983, the AEMB, representing about 350 markets, was set up under the auspices of UECBV, which represents the European Livestock and Meat Trades Union. The AEMB has seen its membership rise rapidly in the last 32 years and we continue to seek out new members in the enlarged EU. Back in the 1983, the EU was only 10 countries, today we are 28. Today AEMB membership includes 14 national federations representing 600 livestock markets. These markets are responsible for the sale of approximately 35 million head of cattle, sheep, pigs and horses. AEMB defends and promotes the role of the livestock markets at international and EU level and the organisation is as relevant and needed in 2015 as it was in Back in the 1983, we didn t have the same level of challenge to our business model. Now we have numerous regulatory pressures to contend with. By way of illustration, animal welfare groups are constantly lobbying Europe to simply close down all livestock markets. Their simplistic view of the world is that a livestock market is a place where all animals are mistreated daily. This is simply a false view. It is in all livestock markets interests that animals are treated properly and with respect. Poor animal welfare is poor business and none of our markets want that. The increased emphasis by livestock markets on training of drovers and on safer and more welfare oriented design of handling facilities is illustrative of the ongoing commitment of our livestock markets to improving animal welfare. The EU traceability systems that now exist in 2015 are a far cry from what was in place in On balance our livestock markets have fully embraced the animal identification and movement systems. This enables all involved in the food chai to verify where animals have come from and where they are destined for. These systems have considerable costs associated with their introduction and maintenance. Not withstanding this, livestock market have introduced these measures to ensure that the fair and transparent system that exists in the livestock markets is preserved. Recent legislation on Producer Organisation has been enacted at EU level. It is important that we ensure that there is no displacement effect on the part of producers groups in those countries that already have efficiently operated livestock markets. Markets are already providing collective bargaining power to farmers in their catchment areas for many years and we must ensure that our livestock markets can continue to provide this service to all our farmers across the EU. Livestock markets are the price setters for the meat traders. * + The conference

11 Words from the President, Mr Michael Spellman (continued ) * + Their absence in the market place results in a lack of competition and a reduction in free trade. This fact was never better illustrated than back in 2001 during the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak across UK. When markets were allowed to resume free trade, the prices of beef and lamb increased by almost 20% in one week of trading. Beef and lamb production without livestock markets is the ideal situation for retailers and meat processors to control prices and ensure maximum profits for their industries. We must ensure that livestock markets thrive and all false and bogs claims around animal welfare and meat quality are challenged constantly. Modern livestock markets have embraced change over the last 30 years and centres have constantly improved their buildings and equipment. Nowadays livestock markets have equipment adapted to the relevant legislation laid down by the EU and national governments. Many livestock markets have exceeded these standards in order to maintain their efficiency, to improve the facilities and image of the livestock markets. The large multinational retailers are constantly thinking of new and creative ways to minimise the throughput of cattle and sheep through livestock markets. They know they must compete in a fair manner for livestock in livestock market but can offer poorer prices to farmers if animals are sold privately. In Ireland, a farmer will be penalised by 12 cent/kilo if they trade their cattle in a livestock market, 70 days before slaughter. The reason we are given in that the consumer demands this. However, we have yet to see the real questions the consumers was asked as many of these so called independent surveys create a question to suit the answer required. One answer that seems to be common amongst these surveys is to remove the open and fair competition that exists in a livestock market and therefore we will penalise farmers when they sell in livestock markets. All consumers want their food produced and farmed in a sustainable, welfare friendly and efficient manner and, for the vast majority of consumers, the price per kilo is their real concern. It is also the large retailers primary concern, they continue to grow their margin per kilo year on year at the expenses of the primary producers. In 1983, the farmer received almost 40% of the final consumer price per kilo of beef with the processors netting approximately 30% and retailers the remaining 30%. Today, the primary producers take as halved to 21% with the ^processors having fallen only slightly to 28% but the retailers now stand at 51% and growing all the time at the expenses of the primary producers. This profiteering by the large retailers at the expenses of the primary producer must stop or all European farmers will be mere servants to the increasing corporate profits. The EU has committed itself to investigating this and will hopefully ensure all sectors of EU food production have fair play and we await Commission Hogan s response on this. Livestock markets across EU as represented by AEMB are an economic necessity for farmers to trade freely their animals and we must ensure that all challenges to our system of free trade are rejected and the livestock markets and the AEMB will be strong and vibrant organisation into the future. I hope everyone has enjoyed their stay, thus far, in Co Roscommon and that you enjoy this conference today. The conference

12 «The Marketing of Ireland s Live Exports of Cattle and Sheep» Mr Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia The live export trade has been there for centuries, since the 16th Century! Live export dominated until 1965 respect to meat trade. This trend changed between 1970 and 1975, when a balance was reached, before going in net advantage for meat trade. Bord Bia aims at promoting sales of Irish food and horticulture both abroad and in Ireland itself. The agency has different offices all over the world. Visits and itineraries for potential buyers take place regularly from each of Irish important markets as well as developing markets like North Africa and Russia. Bord Bia also participates in targeted trade fairs under an Irish Livestock banner, speaks at overseas seminars and sponsors networking events for potential customers. Cattle trade: The major part of cattle traded from the Republic of Ireland goes to Continental EU, followed by Northern Ireland. Only a minor part goes to Great Britain or it is exported to international markets. In 2014, calves and adult cattle had the major share, followed by store cattle and weanlings. Cattle trade from EIRE to Northern Ireland had its peak on 2010, fell in 2011 and 2012, and it kept stability between 2013 and In 2014, almost the 80% of cattle traded were adult cattle, followed by store cattle, weanlings and calves. Cattle trade from EIRE to UK increased by 61% between 2013 and 2014 (adult cattle mainly, followed by store cattle and weanlings; almost 0% for calves). Cattle trade between EIRE and continental EU: raised by 15% from 2013 to Mainly calves, followed by weanlings, store cattle and a minor part (around 5%) adult cattle. Three main EU destinations for Irish cattle: the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Sheep trade: Live exports have been a relatively small feature within the Irish sheep sector in recent years. Last year, meat factory slaughterings would have totalled over 2.2 million head, whereas live exports were just Following several years of collaboration with Eblex and Interbev conducting the Agneau Presto lamb promotion, a new promotion with these agencies and Bord Bia was recently approved by the EU Commission which will see funding being provided over the next three years with generic lamb promotion taking place in Ireland, France, Belgium, the UK, Germany and Denmark. Click here for the PPT presented. The conference

13 «Ireland s International Beef Sales Who s buying our beef?» Mr John Horgan, M.D. Kepak Group Kepak Group is an Irish based company and it is one of Europe s leading food innovators, engaged in processing and marketing a full range of meat in varied formats and presentations. Kepak is divided into three divisions: Kepak Meat Division, Kepak Frozen Division and Kepak Convenience Foods. The Irish beef and lamb processing industry can be summarised as follows: It is 100% privately owned, the exact contrary of the dairy industry; It counts c.25 beef abattoirs and 4 lamb abattoirs but the three larger cattle and lamb slaughterhouses provides the 60% of beef and 80% of lamb meat, respectively. 90% of beef and 70% lamb is exported (95% to EU markets) Excluding India (which is exporting buffalo), Ireland is the 5th larger beef exporter in the world is the year of the lifting of the quota on export markets for Irish beef. USA, China & Philippines are new territories. Regarding USA, market prices c.20% higher than EU prices currently and the market positioning is Irish grass fed Beef (not mass market). For what concerns China, beef and lamb per capita consumption are set to increase; there is a lower availability and high beef price from Australia and Uruguay (2 biggest official importers) and the hormone-free grass fed Irish Beef starts to be high in demand. Coming back to the livestock marts, it has to be said that they have as primary function the determination of the market value of livestock; moreover, there is a social/local economy dimensions too. Cost Mart - Farm Farm - Farm Transport to Mart 8 0 Seller Commission 15 0 Buyer Commission 9 0 Transport to farm 8 8 Health/Vaccinations Mortality Cost (1% higher from Mart However, challenges lie ahead: consumer and retailer preferences, time and convenience farmers may be working full/part time and do not have time to go to mart to buy/sell cattle (83% have off-farm income)- and full economic cost transport, commission, health, weight loss and lost performance in context of low margin sector. The table aside shows the difference in costs with mart buying/selling and other costs for mature cattle should be added. Weight Loss 2.30 V s 4kg Please click here for the PPT. Lost performance (10 per 16 0 Total Costs The conference

14 «Safeguarding and Certifying Ireland s International Live Exports» Mr Michael Sheahan - SSVI Dpt. Agriculture, Food and Marine Live export certification for the EU is relatively simple: the slight complication could be given by additional guarantees which a Member State can seek (i.e. IBR or Bluetongue). For the non-eu Countries, live export is less simple: importing country can ask for whatever form of certificate it wants and there is a need for a bilateral agreement between exporting and importing country. An overview of the current certificates obtained by Ireland was made available in the PPT presented. Two vessels were approved in 2013 and one additional vessel was approved in Shipping to Libya were performed without any problem. On sea transport, generally walk-on walk-off operations went well and an update on the shipping legislation is now foreseen. Animal Welfare organisations are asking more and more strongly to stop transport by sea, however Irish standards were the highest in the world. Regarding livestock markets, 89 are counted in Ireland (16 in Ulster, 22 in Connaught, 31 in Munster and 20 in Leinster). There are challenges but also opportunities for livestock marts: Much of Marts legislation is out of date (1967/68), but an update is foreseen under the AHW Act-chance to shape for next 50 years ; Long Journey Transport/live exports always contentious, bur Ireland is doing a good job thanks to its experienced operators; Image Problem use of stick; no uniforms worn at the mart. Final Thought: Ireland has some of the best stock and some of the best stockmen in the world. Do we do ourselves justice in how we present ourselves in all our marts? Please click here for the PPT. The conference

15 «Irish Farmers Journal MartWatch» Mr Darren Carthy Livestock Specialist for MartWatch All individual mart files processed for four categories of information: MartWatch is the Irish Farmers Journal, delivering up-to-date and accurate sales reports. After five years of positive trend, in 2014 it was seen: A decrease in prices paid for heifers An increase of the price for weanlings (compared with a negative 2013) A decrease in prices paid for steers. Animal type Weight Lot number Sale value MartWatch supports the use of cameras on livestock marts as it gives mutual benefits: it is a snapshot of trade in particular marts, it gives farmers an example of prices paid fir a particular type of stock and it focuses on target markets at key points. Click here to have a look at the PPT. The conference

16 Words from the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Phil Hogan Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to be with you today for this important occasion. As European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, but equally as a man born and bred on a family farm in Tullaroan, County Killkenny, I have a personal understanding of, and deep respect for, the importance of the mart in the tapestry of rural life. I would also like to highlight my involvement in the significant investment into Kilkenny Mart in recent years, which equipped my local "ring" to face the challenges of 21st century markets. * + My goal as EU Agriculture Commissioner is to maximise the agri-food sector's potential to create jobs and growth, and I believe many of the steps being taken will be of direct interest to you. * + The Livestock Market system also plays a crucial role in providing a transparent pricing system for farmers, helping to ensure: true price transparency, trade between farmers in a safe and traceable environment, the exchange of ideas to encourage knowledge transfer, social cohesion in rural areas and a model for ensuring that high levels of animal welfare and standards are visible to all. Both private and farmer co-op owned business models work hand in hand to deliver for their rural communities. This Commission understands the need to ensure that unfair trading practices do not further weaken and undermine the position of the producer in the food supply chain. * +The recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as one example, includes measures to increase producer bargaining power by enhancing cooperation along the food chain. I believe that there are real and tangible opportunities for your sector contained in these measures, and I would urge your members to maintain and deepen your ongoing discussions about how you can make these work for you. In many cases, there will be no need to reinvent the wheel. The CAP also contains measures which should help farmers increase the number of contractual relations or get better returns by adding value to agricultural products. The Rural Development Programme can finance the integration of the various steps in the food chain, through processing, short supply chains, quality schemes and so on. Livestock Markets can be at the heart of these efforts and I hope that AEMB members take advantage of these initiatives. * + A vibrant but properly regulated live export trade in cattle, sheep and horses is an important aspect of this competition, providing benefits for farmers and consumers alike. Indeed, if we take the example of Ireland, the trend for live exports is positive, with strong numbers for exports outside the EU. Live shipping of weanling and calves were up significantly during Overall exports for 2014 exceeded 237,000 animals, which was over 13% higher than In 2012, only 160,000 cattle were exported. Thus the strong growth in live shipping was positive as it underpinned prices. There were two principal drivers of the stronger live export trade; domestic calf prices became a lot more competitive for the veal calf trade in Holland and Belgium and the resumption of live exports to the third countries of Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. * +The issue of compulsory labelling was a real concern in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland last year. * +The purpose of the labels is to provide additional information and clarity to consumers, and there is no evidence to suggest that meat products with labels indicating different "raised in" and "slaughtered in" origin countries will prove unpopular with consumers. The conference

17 Words from the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Phil Hogan (continued ) * +Opening up new markets will be a key priority for the coming years. We are optimistic about finding alternative markets for our products perhaps within the EU, but also elsewhere in the world, such as the Far East. The recent announcement of an equivalency agreement with South Korea is one such example. Talks are also ongoing with Japan and Vietnam, which I believe could lead to significant opportunities for the agriculture and food sector in the coming years. As part of our effort to find new export markets, you will be aware that the European Commission is in talks on a trade agreement with the United States of America the so-called TTIP. I am very aware that this is the subject of continued debate and some concern among agri-food organisations throughout Europe, including your own. * + I also wish to reiterate my pledge that I while will be proactive in promoting the opening of this important market to high quality EU product, I will not compromise on EU food quality or traceability standards. I can assure you that this principle will be upheld across the Commission and will be fully reflected in our negotiations with the US. EU standards will not be sacrificed on the altar of this, or any other, trade deal. The increased protection of European geographical indications food products is one of our key priorities in the TTIP negotiations. In recent years, the EU has been very successful in obtaining increased protection for hundreds of its famous geographical indications. We are very confident that we will obtain a positive outcome in TTIP as well. * +I would like to draw your attention once again to our new promotion policy, which is designed to help the agri-food sector's professionals to find new markets, consolidate existing ones, and promote the high standards of EU agricultural products to consumers in Europe and around the world. * +We are going to increase the budget available for promotion: from EUR 60 million per year today to EUR 200 million as of The EU co-financing rate is also increased. In future 70% of the co-financing will come from the EU for campaigns presented by an organisation from one Member State, and 80% for so called Multi programs developed jointly by organisations from several Member States. EU co-funding is also 80% for campaigns targeting third countries, and 85% for crisis measures. One of the signature initiatives being pursued under my direction is developing mechanisms to improve access to finance for farmers and agri co-operatives, particularly young farmers, as they start their career in agriculture. We are working on this in close cooperation with the European Investment Bank. I have engaged in very productive discussions with the EIB with a view to rolling out a multi-billion package of financial instruments targeted at agriculture and rural development. * +Traceability has long been a key differentiator for European Food, and the European Marts sector has been central to the success of this reputation. However, we need to regain our global leadership in this area, and move forward with the development of innovative traceability systems using cutting edge technology. To give one relevant example, as you are aware, new rules governing EID seek to allow flexibility and provide guidance for voluntary mechanisms across many livestock sectors, but more needs to be done. CONCLUSIONS- I would again encourage you to examine closely the measures in the new CAP which may be of interest to you, and strategically assess where the best opportunities lie. The conference

18 AEMB Board Meeting 9 th May :15-16:00 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Roscommon IRELAND AGENDA Welcome by Chairman Michael Spellman. Approval of the agenda. Adoption of the minutes of the meeting held on 19th February AEMB membership to UECBV. Possibility of AEMB outside the umbrella of UECBV. Exchange of views on the financing of the meetings. Preparations for the internal AGM: Examination and approval of the 2014 balance-sheet and the 2015 draft budget. Date/Venue for AGM in 2016 (chronology). 7. Animal Health Law: latest news. 8. AEMB enlargement: debriefing of the visit in Bulgaria and next visits. POLAND: the secretariat will organize a working visit to Poland, possibly before the next board meeting in France. 7. Next meeting: 20 th -21 st July 2015, Les Hérolles, France - draft programme. Sunday July, 19th : arrival at Limoges airport or directly at Lucullus hotel in Montmorillon (rooms have been booked) Dinner Monday July, 20th : Visit of the auction livestock market of Les hérolles + another visit or presentation of the French project for markets. Lunch on the market. Diner at Lucullus hotel Tuesday July 21st : Board meeting Lunch on the market 10. AOB. DUE TO TIME COSTRAINT, THE AEMB BOARD MEETING WAS POSTPONED TO: 21st JULY 2015 in Les Hérolles, France AEMB Board Meeting

19 AEMB AGM 9th May :00-16:45 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Roscommon IRELAND 1. Approval of the agenda. The agenda was approved without any modifications. 2. Adoption of the minutes of the 2014 AGM. The minutes of the 2014 AEMB AGM, held in Brussels, were approved. 3. Examination and approval of the 2014 balance-sheet and the 2015 draft budget. Meeting costs: the secretariat explained the meeting costs are charged in compliance with the AEMB board decision adopted in Since that year, the AEMB members paid the meeting costs accordingly, regardless the participation at the meetings (the 2002 AEMB Board meeting decided that meeting costs were shared among all members). Final decisions are: 1. the invoices for the 2014 costs will be paid once the members receive the details of the costs. 2. the meeting costs for 2015 and the following years will be included in the membership fee as an additional fixed amount that will reflect the costs of the previous year. Any difference between that fixed amount and the real cost will be invoiced if the latter is higher and deducted from the fixed amount to be added to the membership fee of the following year if it is lower. All in all, it is the continuity of the decision adopted in 2002 but the method of collecting the costs will change. Membership fee: the AGM adopted the budget for 2015 as proposed by the treasurer with a reduction by 50% for the Belgian membership fee in order to take into account the new situation with regard to the national federation which ceased to exist. The remaining membership fee will be paid by the livestock market of Ciney. For the other members, the membership fees paid in 2014 are confirmed for The membership fee are fixed, independently of the number of official delegates as decided previously by the board meeting in September 2013 (note n 3291/2013, point 6) and the 2014 AGM (note n 3851/2014; internal session, point 3). ACTION: The Secretariat will inform members on all expenses and the details of the invoices and will clarify the share among different members, in compliance with the 2002 decision. AEMB Internal AGM

20 AEMB AGM 9th May :00-16:45 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Roscommon IRELAND Activity report Please click here to read the activity report, as presented by Mr Spellman. 5. Discharge 6. Venue of the 2016 AGM The AGM agreed on the Dutch association's proposal to hold the next AGM in 2016 in the Netherlands. Reminder: the 2017 AGM will be held in the UK. 7. Livestock markets Throughput in 2014 and outlook for 2015 BELGIUM- Four livestock markets left in Belgium (Battice/Bruges/Ciney/Menen). General trend is negative (-1,87% for cattle and 138% for horses); the throughput for Ciney was positive only for calves (+41%). It is expected that the downward trend is accentuated in the future, which would mean that European countries would no longer be self-sufficient and should depend on other exporting countries with the risk that this could behave. It is also noted a drop in consumption linked to the economic crisis that countries go through. The evolution of cattle prices in Belgium has experienced various trends - The Belgian Blue has stayed the course with a 15% increase in 2013, developments in 2014 was + 5%. - Other beef breeds decreased +/- 10%, the main cause lack of export to Turkey, Morocco, Russia etc... - The evolution of the dairy breeds, supposed to increase 2013/2014, is no longer topical, due to the closure of Russian imports and Ukrainian problems. There are also repercussions against characteristics of certain breeds Belgian stock, down by 2%. As for the evolution of the Belgian market, the years 2012 and 2013 were worrying, with a decrease of +/- 10% per year. The year 2014 still showed a decrease of 2% in relation to the reduction of livestock nationwide. For 2015, the figures for the 1st quarter are much more encouraging, a slight increase of +/- 5% of presence on the tiles market. DENMARK Four livestock market left (Kolding/BrØrup/Horsens/ Kliplev). The market in Thisted closed in 2013, after the closure of Aars in The average is aroud 100 animals sold per week per livestock market. Danish Crown (Coop) is by far the biggest with 65% of the slaughterings. One company (DLK) using Aarhus Slagtehus closed down 31. Dec In 2013 they has 35,000 of the slaugtherings in Aarhus. Skare Beef is now the only one to slaughter in Aarhus and had in 2014 an increase of close to 20,000 head. Hjalmar Nielsen, Aalestrup+ Kjellerup had an increase of close to 10,000 head. AEMB Internal AGM

21 DENMARK (continued) The Agriculture and Food Council expect an increase of cows to a total of in 2015, and another increase of in On this background a decrease of 10% in cow slaughtering and live export in The export of cows calves is expected to decrease 15-20% (from 43 to ) in 2015 according to an increase in slaughter-premium from 500 kr. to 700 kr./head. ENGLAND-WALES The number of livestock markets is 120, with a turnover of 1.7 billion (2.36 billion Euros). In total, 10 million sheep and 1.4 million cattle are sold. The throughput for 2014 was higher than 2013, both in the animals sold and the income. The outlook for 2015 foresees a very similar number of animals sold or a small reduction. For trade, forecast is stable; however dependent on the value of the UK versus the Euro. Bovine tuberculosis has an impact on animal movements. FRANCE The number of livestock markets in France is 48 (16 auction markets + 32 traditional markets). 20 livestock markets deal exclusively with bovines, 4 deal exclusively with sheep and 20 are mixed (bovine + sheep). General trend was positive, with 2,6% of more animals sold respect to National average prices: average price of slaughterhouse cattle down 6.3%; average breeding cattle down 2%; average price of sheep increased by 2%. IRELAND Currently, the number of livestock market in Ireland is 84 (60% are farmer owned Co-operatives+40% are privately owned). All of them are auction market. Cattle, sheep and horses sold through the marts but not pigs. The turnover of the Irish livestock market is approximately 1.2 billion million cattle was sold through marts in 2014 (+1% respect to 2013), 4% returned unsold. Calf registrations increased by 2% in The end of quotas will mean an increase in dairy bred animals. Trade to Northern Ireland and UK is restricted because of beef labelling regulations. NORTHERN IRELAND A total number of cattle and sheep have been sold in Northern Irish livestock markets in SCOTLAND Thirty livestock markets left in Scotland (14 seasonal markets + 16 weekly marts). Beef Cow Numbers have remained similar. Dairy Cows numbers have been maintained with small herds going out of production and larger herds getting bigger. Breeding Ewes numbers have declined slightly. Breeding Sows have decreased in number. As numbers continue to decline the critical mass for the slaughter sector becomes difficult to sustain. SPAIN Nine livestock markets in Spain. Trend overall negative, with a 2,8% respect to In total, it was reached in 2014, income. The beef carcasses trade has been directly influenced by the Russian ban, which means, the prices slowed down until the last months of twenty fourteen, when they started to recover. The prices of high quality breed bovine for slaughter have reached a slight increase in twenty fourteen, due to the also slight recovering of the domestic consumption and the exportations to third countries. AEMB Internal AGM

22 SPAIN (continued) Live cattle calves prices have diminished in the Spanish markets during the past year because there has been an accurate increase of importations and a parallel decrease of exportations. THE NETHERLANDS The number of livestock markets in the Netherlands is ~37: 4 Weekly Markets (Leeuwarden, Purmerend, Bunnik, Barneveld) + 29 Seasonal Markets (horses) + ~4 auctions a year (dairy cows on the farm). The total number of markets has not changed since The throughput for store and breeding stock suffered a decrease of 7% compared to A decrease by 5% was also registered in the throughput for slaughter animals. Conclusions are: less slaughter cows in 2015: farmers need the cows for the milk; Future positive: 2016/17 more cattle, because end of milk quota; some sheep farmers will stop. AEMB Internal AGM

23 «CTRL+ Click on the flag/country» to have a look at the PPT presented by the AEMB Delegates on the Throughput 2014-Outlook 2015! AEMB Internal AGM

24 Some pictures from the gala dinner! Lovely couples! Gala Dinner

25 Some pictures from the gala dinner! Having a good time. Gala Dinner

26 Some pictures from the gala dinner! I am happy to represent farms at the European Parliament! The EP is collecting the voice of farmers and livestock markets: I am much in favour of collaboration and help at any stage of the food production! Ms Mairead McGuinness MEP Gala Dinner

27 Belgium Spain Mr JOUANT Ms DEMARCHE Mr DIAZ ALVAREZ (Apologised) Ms MENDEZ France Mr ROUSSEAU Mr PROUST Mr GAUTHIER Mr BROSSARD Mr LAUDET Mr TARDIVON Ireland The Netherlands Mr DOYLE Mr SPELLMAN Mr KINGMA UK Mr McCULLOCH Mr WILSON Mr WRIGHT Mr DODDS Mr CORDINGLEY Mr BOYD Denmark Portugal Mr OLESEN (Apologised) Ms OLIVEIRA (Apologised) Annex: List of Delegates

28 End! See you in The Netherlands for the AEMB AGM 2016!