Minister reassures farmers on EU sugar beet compensation

The Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan has moved to assure farmers that they will get the lion’s share of compensation as part of the EU's reform of the sugar beet sector.

The Irish Farmers Association has expressed concern that Greencore would get the bulk of the €145 million package at the expense of growers.

The company closed its processing plant in Carlow, but has yet to move on its facility in Mallow, Co Cork.

Minister Coughlan is reflecting the view commonly held among farmers that they should get most of the EU fund.