The President of the Irish Farmers Association is calling for an immediate solution to the row that has led to more than a hundred job-losses.

Dawn Meats has temporarily laid off staff at three of its factories, with 150 let go at the plant in Grannagh near Waterford.

It is due to the Beef Plan Movement’s ongoing protests at meat factories, which have caused major disruption.

Farmers are angry about the low prices they are getting for their animals.

IFA President Joe Healy sympathises with the staff of Dawn Meats.

“A lot of those staff in those plants are part-time farmers as well. No one likes to see anyone laid-off,” said Mr Healy.

“I would hope that some solution could be found to this sooner rather than later.

“It’s difficult at the moment to see a meaningful increase from the market place.

“We’re focusing our energies on getting the importation of substandard beef from outside the EU banned.”

Waterford Fianna Fáil TD 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 met with stakeholders on the picket line yesterday.

“Farming communities are feeling abandoned by the 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 standoff 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.