Efforts resume to resolve beet prices row

The Junior Minister for Agriculture Noel Davern is expected to step up efforts today to resolve the row over beet prices between farmers and Irish Sugar.

It is believed the Government is considering the appointment of an independent regulator for the industry to prevent future disputes.

The Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh, who is in Qatar for the World Trade Organisation talks, has been kept informed of the unsuccessful attempts to resolve the dispute to date.

The Irish Farmers' Association and the sugar company are currently deadlocked over the prices being paid to beet growers.

A court hearing will be held later today on the IFA's demands to lift an injunction which prevents farmers from withdrawing sugar beet supplies.