Varied complaints fill up a bitter sandwich

They said they would come in huge numbers, so much so that 10,000 sandwiches had been prepared for the hordes descending on the capital.

In the end, they must have ran out. Almost 20,000 members of the farming community marched in Dublin yesterday in a show of strength ahead of talks on reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy in the coming months, and much else besides.

20,000 farmers send determined message to Government and EU http://t.co/Sy0I93ic #FightfortheFutureofFarming

— Irish Farmers' Association (@IFAmedia) October 9, 2012

While cuts were the primary concern, many issues affecting rural life were aired at the Irish Farmers’ Association day of action. It may not have brought the city to a standstill, but as one demonstrator, John Nestor, said: “It’s flexing the muscles.”

He was part of a group from near Tuam in Co Galway and he was up at 6.30am to travel to Dublin, leaving his mixed sheep and cattle farm behind for the day. His cloth banner was secured on both sides by crutches, but that was the only hint of weakness on a day when farmers strove to put their best welly forward.

The many banners reinforced the message: “Bacon on the brink”, “Milking us dry”, “Agri and tourism fracked”, “supermarkets get the cream, farmers get the bullshit”, and one with “Sale agreed” emblazoned over a map of the country.

Seven tractors and a combine harvester led the march when it got underway at Merrion Square an hour later than planned, and among those following the machines were Charlie Doherty, Burt, Co Donegal.

Charlie mainly grows potatoes and said: “We don’t know yet [about the cuts] because we don’t know what way it is divided out but we are afraid of the cuts that could be coming.”

Discussing the volatility of the global economy, he highlighted the growing importance of food security and the farmers who provide that food. “We can’t get rid of him [the farmer] tomorrow and bring him back the next day. If he’s gone from the land, he’s gone.”

Jimmy Hosford, Belgooly, Co Cork, was on one of 10 buses that travelled from the county to attend the protest. “It’s money coming into the country and staying in the country,” he said of the current payments. “The state the country is in at the moment, it’s vital to maintain that budget.”

One group from Beara was demanding the retention of a full-time ambulance service in West Cork. Others protested cuts to garda stations in rural communities.

Patsy Beades from Co Roscommon said changes to rural environment protection schemes and “hidden cuts” such as rising fuel costs were hitting farming families.

When the marchers reached Kildare St, a selection of speakers took to the stage.

IFA president John Bryan wrapped up proceedings, demanding the Government “hold the line” on the CAP budget so as to protect jobs, and telling Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to “get tough with the [European] Commission”.

Minister, you might need to pack some sandwiches.