Protests have reignited outside Kepak in Ennis, with up to 10 farmers carrying placards and setting out stools outside the factory entrance.
The protest in Ennis is the latest in a string of protests that have restarted around the country independent of the Beef Plan Movement.
People can’t survive the way things are going
Many of these farmers are disappointed and frustrated that prices have not improved since the Beef Plan Movement suspended its protests and entered talks with Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and other farm organisations.
Farmers protesting outside Kepak in Ennis. No lorries or trailers arrived today but farmers say local businesses have given them great support and that they're not leaving until prices improve. pic.twitter.com/VZo8ZJkqTq
— Hannah QuinnMulligan (@hqmulligan) August 26, 2019
A number of Beef Plan members are facing possible legal action after the protests and farmers currently protesting were keen to point out that they were not representing the Beef Plan Movement, but protesting independently.
However, they only agreed to talk to the Irish Farmers Journal if their comments were kept anonymous for fear of potential legal reprisals.
“The meetings did nothing for the farmers. People can’t survive the way things are going,” one protester said.
Kepak is also expecting a delegation of Chinese inspectors to approve their plant to export beef to China tomorrow, but the protesters have no intention of leaving ahead of their arrival.
“They’re taking in no cattle today or tomorrow for the Chinese. We’ll give them a big welcome when they come!” one farmer said.
“We won’t back down because if we do farming is finished.”
SHARING OPTIONS