Farmers continue protest at Dawn Meats

FARMERS are sitting tight as they continue their protest outside the Dawn Meats plant in Ballyhaunis.

Beef Plan Movement members have been protesting in Ballyhaunis - and other factories nationwide - since Monday over plans to cut the suckler cow herd by half and over the prices being paid by factories to farmers for cattle.

Fine Gael election candidate Alan Dillon was on the picket line outside Dawn Meats this morning in solidarity with the many farmers who are protesting at what they say is the exploitation of farmers by beef processors.

Said Mr. Dillon: “There is real concern among farmers on the future viability and sustainability of farming in the west of Ireland. The recent Teagasc 2018 farmers income survey shone a light on the severe beef price cuts and the ongoing cuts in direct payment and uncertainty of Brexit which have left beef and livestock farmers in a dire financial crisis.”

He continued: “I spoke to a young 10-year-old boy from Sligo who was protesting with his father and asked 'Are you going to be a farmer when you grow up?' His response was, 'I hope too if it’s still there'.

“This sums up the seriousness of the situation for the next generation of farmers.”

Mr. Dillon added: “The suckler and beef farmer is central to the local economy here in the west. The retailers and the processors are getting stronger and stronger, and they have bigger buying power. It is the small farmers who are suffering.

“It's high time that the government take decisive action to prioritise pricing regulations and fairness for the beef farming community. I will seeking an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach and Minister for Agriculture to impress on them the seriousness of the situation on farmers.”