Agricultural message to EU

FARMERS, food processors and the broader agri-business sector will send a stern message to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso when he addresses the National Forum on Europe in Dublin Castle today: do not sell out agriculture in the world trade-talks in Geneva.

There will be a three-hour countrywide industry shut-down at farm, manufacturing and service levels in protest at the stance being adopted in the talks by European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

Meat processing plants, livestock marts and co-ops will close, as will agri-business outlets and suppliers in a show of solidarity with the country’s 130,000 farm families.