The Agriculture Minister has made the statement in the wake of poultry protests outside Lidl stores in Cavan and Monaghan Town.

The Agriculture Minister says a "healthy and respectful relationship" is needed between farmers and retailers.

Minister McConalogue says the campaign is in response to "unprecedented fertiliser prices" and potential supply concerns.

Senator Gallagher says a number of agricultural enterprises in the local region could provide a more natural alternative.

Brendan Smith says this would aid Ireland's credit carbon count.

One in every 14 jobs in Ireland is in the agri-food sector.

The horticultural peat is used to grow mushrooms, which is an important sector in Cavan and Monaghan.

The sector faced a number of outbreaks during the pandemic.