Supermarket chain Lidl Ireland has been criticised for “failing to support local producers” over a controversial plan to import German eggs.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) hit out at the decision on Monday, with IFA chair Nigel Sweetnam calling it “deeply troubling and contrary to their commitment to local producers.”
“Despite proposals for long-term contracts to ensure a steady supply, Lidl’s reliance on short-term strategies has backfired. While there has been increased demand, Lidl is the only major retailer in Ireland facing a critical shortage,” Mr Sweetnam said.
“Lidl cannot be surprised with a shortage of Irish eggs when they refuse to pay a realistic price to obtain them. “Lidl and all retailers have to engage in constructive dialogue to develop a fair, sustainable plan that supports local egg producers and ensures the survival and growth of the sector,” he said.
“Producers need more of the margin on eggs to reinvest in their businesses. Lidl claims to have paid an increase during the summer months, but it hasn’t been passed back to producers. Lidl must ensure that the increase they claim to have paid is ring fenced for farmers.”
Meanwhile, Brendan Soden, Vice chair of the Poultry Committee, welcomed the recent review of the egg sector by the Agri Food Regulator. He emphasised that long-term contracts at a fair price are crucial for the sector’s sustainability, as provided under the Unfair Trading Practices.
“Egg farmers require long-term commitments to encourage growth and investment in the sector. “Farmers are seeking a sustainable price to allow for reinvestment and to be included in future planning and contract arrangements,” he said.
Nigel Sweetnam said egg producers are totally opposed to the importation of German eggs.
“Should Lidl proceed without addressing our demands, we will be forced to take further action to protect our industry and livelihoods,” he said.
Political party Aontú have also spoken out against the decision, writing in a statement:
“Aontú are very disappointed to hear of Lidl’s decision to import German eggs. We have many egg producers in our own country, small businesses already struggling, who deserve our full support,” the party said.
In response, a spokesperson for Lidl Ireland told Gript that the decision was temporary, and would be in place for “a limited time until such time as our Irish suppliers can fulfil our customer demand.”
“Ireland is currently experiencing an egg supply shortage as high levels of consumer demand coincide with lower levels of production as a result of the sector transitioning from cage to barn egg production,” Lidl Ireland said.
“In order to ensure there is a limited impact on our customers, Lidl Ireland will temporarily source a small number of barn eggs from a quality certified German supplier for a limited time until such time as our Irish suppliers can fulfil our customer demand. This will ensure our customers can continue to enjoy eggs as part of their diet while relieving pressure on Irish egg producers as they increase production levels over the coming months.
“Lidl Ireland is committed to supporting Irish egg producers as they transition from cage to barn egg production and will continue to proactively purchase barn eggs from all Bord Bia approved Irish suppliers. Ultimately Lidl’s goal is to transition back to 100% Irish eggs as soon as is possible. In 2023, Lidl Ireland procured €1.1 billion from the Irish agri-food industry, exporting over €300 million worth of Irish produce across Lidl’s international network of stores.”