NMa Conducts Investigation into Price Formation in the Beef Sector

Recently the situation on the beef market has deteriorated considerably due to the BSE crisis. Partly as a result of this, NMa received a formal application for exemption from Stichting Saneringsfonds Runderslachterijen [Restructuring Fund Foundation for Beef Abattoirs] for a restructuring scheme aimed at reducing the slaughtering capacity of a number of abattoirs.

In addition, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Mr Brinkhorst, has asked NMa to conduct research into price formation in the beef sector. In addition to this request, NMa has also received other signals that point to considerable differences between the ex-farm prices paid for cattle, on the one hand, and consumer prices, on the other.

In assessing the restructuring scheme that has been submitted, NMa will naturally also conduct a meticulous investigation into price formation in the beef sector.

NMa will make no further announcements in this regard until the results of the investigation have been published.