. The IFA is demanding action from the Government and the EU Commission to restore export refunds to last year's levels. Because of cuts in refunds cattle prices are down 8p per lb since autumn and farmers have already lost £20 million.
. They also fear the loss of the special premium for slaughtering animals in the winter.
. They have also pledged to oppose any Government move to levy the industry to recoup the EU fines on Ireland for irregularities in the beef industry in the early 1990s.