Dillon praises role of sheep farmers in reopening plants

IFA President John Dillon complimented sheep farmers for the agreement they reached with the Irish Country Meats Group that has resulted in the group reopening their factories in Camolin, Co. Wexford and Navan, Co. Meath, on Tuesday afternoon.

John Dillon said the strong stance taken by sheep farmers in defence of their livelihoods over the last week had put down a marker that there was only so much they could take. The IFA President said he appreciated the sensible approach adopted by the management of Irish Country Meats that had brought about agreement.

IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman Laurence Fallon said sheep farmers have removed their protest at both the ICM factories and the company has agreed with local suppliers to pay a base price of €4.75/kg plus 6c/kg bonus for U grades into next week. In addition he said the agreement also covers hoggets at the same price level which applied prior to the protest.