Workers have been temporarily laid off at three Dawn Meats factories around the country as protests continue.
150 staff have been let go at the plant on the Kilkenny/Waterford border - but it's not yet known which other two plants are affected.
Protests outside more than 20 factories around the country have caused major disruption to processing.
Beef farmers are picketing the factories over the low prices they are being offered for their animals.
The Beef Plan Movement (BPM), which is behind the protests, said the Government must take action to readjust the “broken” industry model.
“There are too many vested interests in the business that are taking the vast majority of the money out of the industry and farmers are being left with the crumbs,” said Joint chairman Hugh Doyle.
Met Beef Farmers today in Bandon with @BillyKelleherEU and Cllr. Joe Carroll. Rural Ireland & farmers must be protected. pic.twitter.com/dQJLTzpxnR
— Margaret Murphy O'M (@MurphyOMahonyTD) August 6, 2019
The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has said his department cannot legally get involved in determining prices.
A spokesperson for the minister this morning said BPM had rejected an offer to temporarily suspend the strike action and enter round-table talks.
“In light of the announcement of lay-offs in the meat processing sector, the difficult income situation facing farmers with livestock for slaughter and on animal welfare grounds, the Minister is again calling on the Beef Plan Movement to reflect on its position and to take up the invitation to enter into talks,” said the spokesperson.
Good turnout at Clonmany Show, Donegal today. Donegal IFA had Rebecca Braithewaite and the Donegal Mule Group provide a sheep dressing demonstration. Great success despite the weather! #IFADonegal pic.twitter.com/ZdZpgH81ME
— Turlough Slaney (@SlaneyTurlough) August 6, 2019
IFA President Joe Healy said he sympathises with the staff of Dawn Meats.
“A lot of staff in those plants are part-time farmers as well,” he said. “No-one likes to see anyone laid off.”
“I would hope some solution could be found to this sooner rather than later. It is difficult at the moment to see a meaningful increase from the marketplace.
“We are focusing our energies on getting the importation on sub-standard beef from outside the EU banned.”
He there is “huge frustration and anger” among farmers.
“We are not able to make a living out of beef production even though we produce the best product in the world.”
The protests have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.
