The Beef Plan Movement has begun the first in a series of nationwide factory protests outside ABP’s plant in Bandon Co Cork.
The action had originally been planned for Monday morning 29 July but was moved forward as cattle were being brought in for slaughter on Sunday evening.
Farmers arrived at the factory gates before 5pm intending on remaining there overnight and into next week.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal Helen O’Sullivan of the Cork Beef Plan Movement said the group intended to “stay here [the factory] for as long as it takes”. She said several farmers had also been in contact to say they would not send cattle in support of the protest.
Nationwide protest
The Beef Plan Movement has organised more factory protests to take place around the country from tomorrow morning. The list of factories is believed to include Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, and Rathdowney, Kepak Kilbeggan and Athleague and Liffey Meats Ballinasloe.
O’Sullivan said: “It is rotten what’s going on in beef. Farmers are getting €3.45/kg, €3.50/kg and it is very disheartening.
“We need more from the factories than what they are giving because it’s not sustainable. Farmers are at breaking point financially and mentally. What is happening now is not fair and farmers are fed up.”
O’Sullivan said the crisis in the beef sector had not happened overnight but rather over a number of years. However, she warned that farmers were now sick of insult after insult and they were going to stand up for themselves.