Farmers to protest against supermarket practices

Thousands of farmers will today protest in Dublin against what they say is the Government's failure to act on supermarket giants who fleece farmers in order to bolster their profits.

The IFA demonstration will gather at Merrion Square at noon and will march to the office of the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton.

According to the IFA, the Government has failed to ensure fair trade for Irish farmers and protect Irish jobs in the agricultural sector.

IFA President John Bryan said the relationship between producers and supermarket multiples is simply not sustainable.

"Farmers don't want to be millionaires," Mr Bryan said.

"All they want is a living for themselves and their families.

"Our message has been very clear - cost of production plus a fair margin - but in several cases because of the pressure of retailers.. farm produce has been sold below the cost of production, and in the long run that's not sustainable."