Farmer frustration is set to spill on to the streets this week.

Resentment at being targeted on climate change, anger over CAP losses and fears that tighter nitrates regulations will erode profitability have combined to fuel the farmer revolt.

Thousands of farmers and tractors are expected in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork on Friday for a rolling series of IFA protests.

The association has warned that it could yet bring Dublin to a standstill if the Government fails to address farmer concerns.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said farmers were not willing to have carbon reduction targets imposed on the industry without consultation

The protests come amid heightened fears in farming circles that agriculture is being unfairly scapegoated in the climate change debate and could face disproportionate sectoral cuts as a consequence.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said farmers were not willing to have carbon reduction targets imposed on the industry without consultation, and would not stand by as the industry is sacrificed for data centres or Brazilian beef.

If we have to go to Dublin then we will go to Dublin

He insisted that any carbon ceilings for agriculture had to be negotiated with farmer representatives.

“We want the Government to get around the table with us to discuss everything that’s coming down the line for farmers, including CAP, climate change and nitrates,” Cullinan said.

“If we have to go to Dublin then we will go to Dublin. And if we have to stay in Dublin to get a response, then we’ll stay,” he vowed.