The discounting of staple foods such as beef, dairy, and vegetables is unsustainable for farmers and workers, one farm leader has said.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) president Edmond Phelan stated the current COVID-19 outbreaks in meat plants stemmed from a pursuit of cheap food policies.

“Last year’s beef factory protests and this year’s focus on poor conditions of employment for meat plant workers are two sides of the same coin,” Phelan said.

Farm organisations have called for greater protection of factory workers.

Any disruption to the food chain had implications for farmers, workers, suppliers and the local economy

“The quick turnaround of test results will be crucial in keeping businesses open, or getting them re-opened if the health authorities deem it appropriate they close,” IFA president Tim Cullinan said.

Any disruption to the food chain had implications for farmers, workers, suppliers and the local economy, he said.

Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Pat McCormack called for a redoubling of “efforts to protect these essential workers”.