A Cavan Monaghan TD has called on the Government to to urge retailers and processors to give a fair price to pig and poultry farmers for their produce.
In a question to Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue on the matter, Deputy Brendan Smith highlighted how the sectors were facing "chronic difficulties" and farm families deserved to be rewarded for their produce.
The Minister said that while prices paid to farmers were dictated by market demands, it was "critically important" that farm families and food producers were treated fairly. He added that the new Office for Fairness and Transparency will provide a voice for farmers, fishers, growers and other food businesses in the agricultural and food supply chain.
"The establishment of the Office for Fairness and Transparency in the agri-food supply chain is one of my priorities as Minister, and I am confident it will be an advocate and provide a voice for farmers, fishers, growers and other food businesses all along the agricultural and food supply chain," he continued.
"I am pleased to have announced this week that the recruitment process for the CEO of the new office has begun. By having the competition in parallel with the legislative process, I want to ensure that the office is up and running as early as possible."
Meanwhile, the discussion came as local farmers ended their seven-day protest outside supermarkets in Cavan town over retailers' return on eggs and chicken.
