IFA to mount protest against Carlow sugar factory closure

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) is due to mount a demonstration in Carlow today to protest at Greencore's decision to close its sugar factory in the town.

The company is planning to consolidate its sugar protection in Mallow, Co Cork, this March. More than 300 workers in Carlow are expected to lose their jobs because of the move.

The IFA has also claimed that it will severely affect local sugar beet producers, who will have to transport their produce over a greater distance.

Greencore has claimed the consolidation is necessary to meet planned reforms of the EU sugar market, but farmers have asked the company to defer the closure until these reforms are made known.