The Irish Farmers Journal understands that factories are due in the High Court this evening to seek an attachment and committal order against farmers.

If granted, the order would allow gardaí to jail protesters for protesting outside beef factories.

The move marks an escalation on the back of injunctions granted by the High Court yesterday to ABP and Dawn Meats to restrain protesters from blockading outside factories.

Farmer protests are now independently led, with many joining the picket lines this week across the country and maintaining their right to protest until restrictions around the quality bonus and carcase grading are relaxed.

It's understood that the IFA will oppose the order and act in defence of farmers.