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Protests continue outside at least 16 meat processing plants despite beef agreement

Farmers are continuing to hold pickets at some meat processing plants across the country despite ...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

13.15 16 Sep 2019


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Protests continue outside at l...

Protests continue outside at least 16 meat processing plants despite beef agreement

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

13.15 16 Sep 2019


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Farmers are continuing to hold pickets at some meat processing plants across the country despite a plan to keep beef on Irish shelves.

The deal was agreed during talks over the weekend.

It outlines the introduction of a beef task force and increases to bonuses.

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The agreement is dependent on pickets being lifted at meat plants around the country.

However, some farmers have indicated they will continue demonstrating.

Today, protests are continuing outside at least 16 factories across the country.

Protesting farmers in Rathdowney are attempting to get an agreement with farmers outside other factories nationwide that 16 representatives - one from each protest - meet with industry group Meat Industry Ireland.

However, it remains unclear whether all farmers and meat processors will agree to the proposed process.

The farmers blockading meat plants say the weekend deal doesn't go far enough to address their concerns over the price they're paid for their livestock.

One farmer protesting outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis in Mayo explained: "The main sticking point would be that base price wasn't addressed at all.

"The base price is what is required for the producer and finisher to break even... at the present moment in time, we're all working at a loss."

Reaction to agreement

The Independent Farmers of Ireland group, meanwhile, said they "neither accept nor reject" the proposals put forward in the agreement.

In a statement quoted by Agriland, the organisation said: "This decision has to be taken by all the peaceful protesters at the factory gates.

“Meetings are to take place to achieve a consensus and to determine what course of action shall be pursued."

Other farming groups have welcomed the agreement reached over the weekend - with the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) saying the various groups "stood together to get the best available outcome for farmers".

Yesterday, Meat Industry Ireland - which represents processors - said they now hoped "normal processing can recommence, employees can return to work, farmers can sell their animals, and efforts can be made to rebuild customer confidence".

Additional reporting by Shane Beatty
Main image: File photo, RollingNews.ie

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