Resolution of lamb price row welcomed
“I am encouraged by the measured response from both sides in resolving this issue and allowing for the continued supply of top quality lamb to valuable premium markets especially in France,” she said.
Plants at Irish Country Meats in Camolin, Co Wexford and Navan, Co Meath, Kepak in Athleague, Co Roscommon and Hacketstown, Co Carlow, Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo and Kildare Chilling in Co Kildare, have all re-opened after the week-long protests.
IFA president John Dillon praised sheep farmers for the stand they took in their income protests outside major lamb plants.
Over the previous two days talks took place between local suppliers and management at the individual plants which ended the stand-off and resulted in managers re-opening the plants.
Mr Dillon said the strong stance taken by sheep farmers in defence of their livelihoods had put down a marker that there was only so much they could take. He said he appreciated the sensible approach adopted by all the factories which had resolved the dispute with the sheep farmers.
IFA sheep committee chairman Laurence Fallon said he understood the sheep farmers had removed their protests and the factories were quoting prices of €4.75/kg plus a 6c/kg bonus for U grades for lambs into next week. Hoggets were being quoted at the same level as prior to the protest.
