Brazilian beef protest ends pending talks

ANGRY livestock farmers who occupied the offices of a meat plant in Naas, Co Kildare, yesterday in protest over Brazilian beef imports and dropping cattle prices, withdrew pending immediate talks with the company.

Up to 300 farmers staged a lightening protest at QK Meats, a Queally Group company, which it alleged is importing Brazilian beef. A smaller group of farmers occupied an office building seeking discussions with management, as gardaí monitored the situation.

In a statement, the Queally Group said the offices of Dawn Farm Foods, a member company, were unlawfully occupied by Irish Farming Association (IFA) president John Dillon, and other officers and members of the association, causing disruption to the company’s business.