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The Irish Angus Producer Group has said farmer members are expressing "huge concern” about the continued closure of processing facilities.
The group is the largest producer group in the country, with over 14,000 farmers slaughtering over 100,000 cattle.
'Significantly impacted'
A spokesperson said that its members have been “significantly impacted” by serious disruptions at five Kepak and six ABP facilities, where its certified Irish Angus beef is processed.
There was concerns over ABP in Bandon, which it said had been in lockdown for seven weeks.
“Over the last three days, we have been inundated with farmer members expressing huge disappointment and concern at not being able to bring their animals to be slaughtered," said Charles Smith, the group's general manager.
Pressure
Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships, he said: “Our farmer members are increasingly worried about their inability to conduct their business in a normal fashion."
He said that the agreement reached last week was a substantial improvement and that it should be embraced.
“These processing plants play a key role in the supply chain and our members are deeply concerned that for the first time in 25 years we may not be able to maintain this supply to loyal consumers and retailers.
“We would urge our farmer colleagues to allow normal production and supply to resume and respect the difficult situation they are putting other farmers and organisations in by denying them the ability to process animals.”
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