Grain trade accused of cartel

THE Irish Farmers Association alleged yesterday that some members of the grain trade are making an effort to operate a cartel and lower the price below its market value this harvest.

Grain Committee chairman Paddy Harrington made the claim when speaking at a protest beside the Malting Company of Ireland in Cork.

Growers had assembled to protest outside a meeting which, the IFA said, was being held by three of the major industry players, Glanbia, IAWS Co-op and Dairygold.