Minister should engage with beef farmers and industry before crisis escalates – Butler

Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford, Mary Butler , says the Minister for Agriculture should meet with farming representative organisations and the meat industry to address the growing crisis affecting the beef sector.

Deputy Butler was speaking having met with stakeholders on a picket line protesting against the pay and conditions for farmers in the sector.

She commented, “Farming communities are feeling abandoned by government. It is incredible that the Minister for Agriculture has not stepped in during this crisis.

“I met with nearly 30 farmers who are on the picket line. Others had left to tend to farms, be with family, and just take a break from the 24-hour protest. We had a very open discussion and they detailed just how disillusioned they are with the sector.

“There is a real fear among farmers. They are worried as the school year returns how they will fund books and uniforms for their children. They have fears as to how they will earn a living in the next year.

“The Minister must intervene. He cannot stand off completely. How long will the Minister stand on the sidelines. There are workers in plants and factories, who if the stand off continues, will lose their jobs. All the while farmers struggle met their own costs.

“The Minister must wake up and let common sense prevail before the situation worsens any further,” concluded Deputy Butler .