Farmers blockade Cork Lidl distribution centre

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) began a 12 hour blockade at the Lidl distribution centre in Charleville this morning. It began at 7am and follows on from a similar blockade which took place yesterday outside the Aldi distribution centre in Kildare. 

The Cork blockade is the latest in a long-running series of beef price demonstrations across the country. 

The IFA, the largest farming group in the country, is protesting because of what it has said is the low price farmers are receiving for beef products from retailers and wholesalers. The Beef Taskforce, an industry and farming body, was established earlier this year by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed in response to nationwide beef protests.

IFA presidential candidate John Coughlan from Buttevant said he was critical of “the listless attitude” of Government to the process, adding that farmers need more than a shrug of the shoulders from Government. 

Speaking this morning, he said: “For us beef farmers, the Taskforce is the equivalent of national pay talks. Yet this morning, instead of negotiating, farmers are protesting. 

“It’s time to change the dynamic. I believe bringing in a facilitator with a track-record in deal making, someone like a Kieran Mulvey, Peter Cassells or Bertie Ahern, is now needed. We need to get in the room, stay in the room, maintain the tempo, and get a deal done.” 

The Taskforce held its first meeting on Tuesday but Coughlan expressed his disappointment at the absence of retailers at it.

“Farmers face a constant battle to get a fair price for their beef. Retailers not participating in the Taskforce to date exposes their hypocritical approach,” he said. 

Lidl was contacted about this morning’s blockade in Charleville and a spokesperson told the newspaper: “At Lidl we appreciate the importance of regular and transparent communication with farming representatives and we understand the difficulties faced by many farmers. As recently as last week, Lidl management had constructive discussions with members of both the BPM (Beef Movement Plan) and the IFA. 
 
"We also know that our customers are hugely appreciative of quality Irish produce. For this reason we are supportive of the work of the Beef Taskforce and hope they can make positive progress rapidly in the interest of all parties.”