Breda McDonald of Piltown IFA keeping local protestors warm with hot soup at Grannagh.| Photos: Joe Cashin
The IFA led protests are taking place at ABP, Dawn Meats and Kepak factories including at ABP Ferrybank and Dawn Meats, Grannagh.
Protestors are participating in eight shifts of six hours each.
Speaking to The Munster Express, John Fitzgerald said local protests had been very well supported.
“The protest is being extremely well supported. We’re delighted with the numbers which have shown up,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
He explained that anger had been gradually building amongst farmers throughout the country in relation to beef prices.
“Farmers have been short changed,” he said.
“Consumers have also realised that the prices they are paying haven’t changed.”
Mr Fitzgerald said farmers have contributed greatly to Ireland’s economic recovery and have a “steely determination” to ensure they receive better prices.
He said some progress had been made in talks held on the issue last Friday but said there were still outstanding issues to be addressed including price and quality assurance.
The nationwide protest is due to finish today (Tuesday) at 3pm with further talks planned for Wednesday.
