The fourth week of protests has seen further court appearances, more injunctions, and occasional detente.

One farmer was arrested at Ballyjamesduff on Monday, but he was released hours later without charge.

The visiting Chinese delegation did gain entry to factories, the last being in Athleague on Wednesday morning. Dialogue was sporadically breaking out at individual plants, such as Slaney Foods on Wednesday.

A new grouping, the Independent Farmers of Ireland, has emerged as the latest farmer representative body.

Representatives of protestor groups from nine factories came together on Monday, agreeing a basic platform.

Three spokespeople were selected. The Irish Farmers Journal understands One is Maggie Delahunty, whose father Seamus “Mex” Delahunty was the farmer attached and committed in an injunction by Dawn last week. Dawn agreed not to pursue him for damages or costs provided he comply with the terms of the injunction going forward. Other injuncted farmers made similar agreements with processors.

A second, Alison de Vere Hunt, is the manager of Cashel Mart. The third spokesperson is understood to be from the Ballyhaunis protest.

It is understood Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is willing to meet the new group, although its representatives want immunity from legal action.