Sir, - If farmers are correct in their belief that there is a price-fixing cartel among meat processors, then it is clear that the only effective long-term solution is for farmers to build and operate their own meat-processing factories.
This could initially be achieved by the 20,000 farmers who depend on the beef industry investing £1,000 each for the purpose. An capital investment of £20 million in independent meat processing facilities would create the basis of a genuine free market in cattle, with a consequent effect on prices.
This would certainly get the attention of the IMA. The IFA, for its part, would be better advised to spend its £5 million a year to enable members to resolve their farming difficulties through effective business practices, rather than political bullying or illegal methods. - Yours, etc.,
Ciaran Byrne, Skerries Road, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.