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Three farm organisations have decided not to attend the beef forum scheduled to take place this Wednesday.
The IFA announced last week that it would not be participating, but will instead hold a protest outside.
The ICMSA said it will hand in a letter with its demands, but would “not attend the forum or any other meeting in the Department in solidarity with the protesting farmers".
“It’s crucial that no-one interprets this action as a response to the problem of low beef prices, because it’s not,” ICMSA president Pat McCormack said.
"Firstly, all farm organisations should declare their support for a review of the beef grid.
"Secondly, live exports are also a critical issue and [the] ICMSA is disappointed that the Department has not appointed a live export representative to the beef forum, as they committed to do in a response to ICMSA.
"We need competition for the meat plants and a vibrant live export trade is the only answer to this, so shippers should be represented at the forum”, said McCormack.
The ICSA has decided not to attend the forum due to the lack of solidarity shown by meat processors in recent weeks.
“Cutting prices week after week is shameful. It shows complete contempt for farmers and is particularly egregious when many are on their knees due to increased costs. There is no point in attending a roundtable discussion when factories are attending in bad faith," ICSA president Patrick Kent said.
Meanwhile, Macra na Feirme confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it will be attending the beef forum on Wednesday.
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