Taoiseach to address farmer’s concerns
The BSE crisis and the impact of multinational supermarket chains will be discussed at the AGM of the Irish Farmers Association in Dublin today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will address the gathering, which will also hear a keynote speech from IFA leader Tom Parlon. The association hopes that Mr Ahern will use the opportunity to outline a Government response to the farmers hit by the BSE scare.
Thousands of cattle are being slaughtered as part of a Europe-wide cull to prevent the spread of the disease, and Irish farmers are looking for a compensation package. They also want help to get the commercial markets for beef reopened at the earliest possible opportunity.
On the issue of the supermarket chains, the farmers say it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to receive a fair price for their produce, because of the dominance of the multinationals.
The IFA’s 46th AGM takes place at the Burlington Hotel.
