The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan, is to set up a forum to examine the beef sector in the light of prevailing opportunities and challenges.
The forum is to set out a framework for future development in the sector in a report expected before next summer.
Ms Coughlan said there has been significant change recently in global food production, with dramatic developments especially in the cereal and dairy business.
She said experts all over the world are now examining the extent to which traditional supply patterns will be sufficient to meet the growing demand.
Minister Coughlan said it was in this changed context that Ireland needs to take another view of the beef sector and to ensure that it too is poised to withstand any threats and to avail of new opportunities.
The Minister said the beef sector is now totally reliant on the market but has in the past adapted very well to change.
The forum, chaired by Jim Beecher of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will include representatives of producers, processors, relevant state agencies as well as independent experts.
