IFA warns price war will cost thousands of jobs
IFA president Padraig Walshe
The Irish Farmers Association says a supermarket price war will cost thousands of farming and processing jobs in Ireland.
Around 500 farmers are blockading the entrance of the Musgrave distribution centre in Kildare.
They say they are being forced to sell produce below cost because supermarkets are driving the prices down.
Farmers are refusing to let any trucks in or out of the distribution centre in Kilcock but they have agreed to let some workers out.
They plan to continue the blockade until midnight tonight.
Addressing the crowd, IFA president Padraig Walshe warned the supermarkets not to underestimate farmers.
Musgrave expressed its surprise at the protest.
"Musgrave is surprised by today’s protest outside its depot in Kilcock," said a statement.
"Musgrave representatives recently met with the Padraig Walshe, president of the IFA and his colleague Pat Smith, the general secretary and CEO. These discussions are ongoing, with Musgrave as ever, operating an open door policy with farming representatives.
"Musgrave would like to point out it is the biggest supporters of Irish agriculture, Irish jobs and Irish suppliers. Across our range, 75% of everything sourced by Musgrave on behalf of its SuperValu and Centra brands is either produced or sourced in Ireland – significantly more than any other player in the Irish market.
"These purchases are worth in excess of €2.85bn every year to the Irish economy and indirectly support 14,000 Irish jobs. In addition, our business is based on supporting independent retailers who operate in local communities across Ireland, who employ a further 28,000 people.
"Additionally, Musgrave and its Retail Partners in SuperValu and Centra uniquely stock 100% Irish beef, pork, bacon, lamb and chicken, which is born, bred and reared in Ireland, while 65% of all of our fruit and veg is also Irish."
