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There is mounting farmer concern following the temporary shutdown of Kildare Chilling due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among staff.
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that both the beef and sheep lines were temporarily closed on Tuesday evening and the factory has not quoted farmers for cattle or sheep this week. Some farmers fear the temporary closure will affect beef and lamb prices.
There were 47 cases of COVID-19 in meat processing plants in the last week
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association warned that the temporary closure will be “used as an excuse by other factories to cut prices further” and called on the Minister for Agriculture to introduce a compensation package for sheep farmers.
Meat Industry Ireland said its members were adhering to HSE protocols and that continued vigilance was critical. There were 47 cases of COVID-19 in meat processing plants in the last week, with further tests still pending.
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