Agri-industry backs farm lobby protest

BROAD agri-industry support has emerged for a national farm lobby protest to be staged in Dublin next Thursday when European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso addresses the Forum for Europe in Dublin Castle.

The protest will be over the impact on Irish farming and the agri-food sector of the current proposals in the global trade talks which are entering a crucial period in Geneva.

A parade is to assemble outside the offices of the European Commission Representation and proceed to Dublin Castle for a major public rally.

The protest is organised by the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and Macra na Feirme who have called for support from farmers and agri-businesses. All non-essential activity is expected to cease for three hours across farms, merchant outlets, marts, co-ops and processing plants countrywide to highlight the growing fears of farmers and the agri-sector.

The organisers said last night that meat Industry Ireland, Anglo-Irish Beef Processors (eight locations), Dawn Meats (five locations), the Irish Feed and Grain Association with 60 outlets, marts countrywide, IFAC and Greencore Malt will be among those supporting the standstill.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said he welcomed the industry support in making the point that the future of Irish farming and the food sector would be irreparably damaged if the current world trade proposals are allowed to go through. He said farmers and processors are united in their opposition to the cuts proposed by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, as the fall-out would severely damage the entire rural economy.

“Farm output would be halved and the total cost to the economy would be €4 billion per year with a €2bn loss in exports.”

Addressing the Dáil yesterday Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said there is a suggestion from certain quarters that the Lisbon Treaty will diminish Ireland’s influence on the negotiation and conclusion of international trade agreements, such as a new world trade deal.

“This is simply not true and to those who would make such observations I would suggest that they have another look at the relevant articles. They will find that, in substance, they are no different from the current position albeit the wording is clearer than it used to be.”