Processors pull out of talks on beef crisis

Fears that the beef crisis may become entrenched have intensified after Meat Industry Ireland pulled out of planned talks. Farmers have been blockading meat processing plants around the country since late July in protest over cattle prices.

Talks had been due to take place at the Department of Agriculture offices in Co Kildare yesterday evening. However, MII pulled out of the talks, citing the fact that blockades were continuing at some 20 meat plants around the country.