Farmers are demanding increased prices for their products from supermarkets.
Over 300 have held peaceful walk throughs in Portlaoise branches of Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi and Superquinn.
The purpose was to highlight the issue of higher costs facing the farming industry.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) claims the low prices being paid by retailers is forcing farmers out of business.
IFA President John Bryan says farmers’ backs are to the wall and they will no longer stand by and allow retailers ignore the escalating costs primary producers have to deal with.
The IFA says since September 2010 the average feed price for pigs has increased by 70% while pig prices have increased by only 13% in the same period.
It adds that the average retail price of pigmeat has been approximately €7/kg over the last number of years.
IFA Horticulture Chairman Brian O’Reilly said supermarkets will have to recognise the increased costs in producing potatoes and fresh produce if they want a guaranteed supply of quality Irish produce.
While Mr. Bryan addressed those gathered in Superquinn.
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