Calls for sugar industry forum
Cork East Labour councillor Sean Sherlock from Mallow, who made the call, said he was doing so in response to local farmers and workers’ representatives who feel that the uncertainty surrounding the future of the industry must be addressed directly by the Government.
He said the forum should involve Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, Greencore chief executive David Dilger, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) leader Padraig Walshe and representatives of workers and hauliers.
“The view here in Mallow and the wider North Cork community is that the industry is viable if one million tonnes of production can be achieved. Anything less than that will not secure the future of the industry,” he said.
Cllr Sherlock said the uncertainty surrounding positions taken by the IFA, the Minister, and Greencore must be clarified.
“This can be only be done through the establishment of a national forum which would involve all stakeholders in the industry,” he said.
