Meat processor ABP says 355 staff have been temporarily laid off at its plant in Cahir in Co Tipperary amid the ongoing beef dispute.
The company claimed their decision is a "direct result" of ongoing blockades at the site, and have warned another 182 job are at risk this week.
Independent farmers have continued demonstrations at more than a dozen sites across the country, despite an agreement reached over the weekend between farming groups and Meat Industry Ireland.
The deal outlines the introduction of a beef task force and increases to bonuses, but is dependent on pickets being lifted at meat plants around the country.
Demonstrating farmers claim the deal doesn't go far enough to address their concerns over the price they are paid for their livestock.
Several meat processors have temporarily laid off staff and slowed production due to blockades.
In a statement today, ABP said: "The protesters have stopped any product going in to or leaving the site. Production has ceased. Furthermore, these illegal blockades are impacting seriously on the thousands of beef farmers who supply cattle to the site.
"ABP has expressed its dismay that after an agreement was reached illegal blockades remain in place at Cahir and at other processing sites across the country."
'Your voices have been heard'
Last night Agriculture Minister Michael Creed posted an open letter to protesting farmers, urging them to give the agreement a chance.
He said farmers' voices have been heard, and stressed that "huge efforts" were made to arrive at a deal over the weekend.
An Open Letter to Farmer Protesters: pic.twitter.com/ztvZLsdRoP
— Michael Creed TD (@creedcnw) September 16, 2019
He argued: "The agreement is a compromise. Nobody got everything they wanted. Everyone had to give something.
"Many of you are simply looking for a price increase. Please understand that this is something that we could not legally discuss."
Minister Creed added: "Firstly I ask that you give the agreement a chance. Own it for how you made it happen.
"Secondly I ask that you seriously consider what considering the protest now means. The future of the sector is now in the balance."
