100-strong group of barley farmers protest prices

A 100-strong group of protesting barley growers yesterday accused barley grain importers and brokers of destroying their livelihoods by pricing them out of the barley grain market. Around 140 farmers took part in a surprise protest at the importation of dry barley grain from vessels docked at Foynes port, Co Limerick.

The Irish Farmers Association organised the demonstration. Crane operators and hauliers were stood down for a brief period during the five-hour protest but later returned to work feeding haulage trucks on their way to local mills.

Cork barley grower Billy Cotter pledged “war” on those he claimed were forcing him and others out of the marketplace.