Farmers Operating At A Loss Because Of Cheap Produce

Friday, 28 January 2022 10:20

By Caoimhe Harney

The IFA has called for regulation.

The President of the Irish Farmers' Association says Ireland needs to regulate the cost of produce sold in supermarkets.

It's after Lidl reduced the price of chicken in a promotion, triggering overnight protests in Cavan and Monaghan.

Lidl is due to meet the IFA this week.

Speaking at the IFA's AGM, President Tim Cullinan said laws should be brought in to prevent retailers drastically discounting the price of food.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called agriculture 'the lifeblood of rural Ireland', despite challenges from Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the AGM , the Taoiseach emphasized the importance of promoting diversity in farming and attracting young talent, to secure the future of the agricultural industry.

Climate change dominated the minutes,Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said the industry is “going through a real period of revolution”, encouraging farmers to innovate to reduce emissions.

The Taoiseach has reassured members of the IFA that the government has the well-being of farmers in mind.

Deputy President of the IFA Kildare's Brian Rushe: "We are constantly highlighting the discrepancies.

"We need a food ombudsman to ensure that farmers are not taken advantage of.

"Producers can't survive, they are absorbing massive costs.

"They're not covering their production costs at the minute.

"This government have made a promise that an ombudsman will be put in place to protect the farmer.

"Competition has come at the expense of farmer margins.

"Products are being discounted and sold below the cost of production.

"We want more value placed on the farmer, we're looking for a far share of price," he insisted.

Carbury man and Deputy IFA President Brian Rushe spoke with Clem Ryan on Friday morning's Kildare Today: