National IFA Protest Heads to Newbridge on Saturday

IFA will hold a national protest in Newbridge next Sat at 2.30pm to escalate the campaign for a new Chair of Bord Bia.

Farmers will assemble at the office of Minister Martin Heydon to drive home the message that the Chair of Bord Bia has to step down.

The protest will include tractors and machinery and farmers on foot.

IFA President Francie Gorman said the proposal emerged from last night’s meeting in Athy, which was attended by over 800 farmers.

“The overriding view at the meeting was that Minister Heydon is dragging his feet and doesn’t seem to understand the deep frustration that exists across the farming community,” he said.

IFA has been protesting at Bord Bia since Jan 26th and our proposals to bring about a resolution have been stonewalled at every turn by the Minister and others.

“Farmers who spoke last night felt they have no choice but to confront the Minister at his constituency office in Newbridge. Minister Heydon is hellbent on protecting the Chair of Bord Bia and in the process he is doing huge damage to Bord Bia. We will use Saturday to direct farmer anger at the Minister’s door,” he said.

Further details will be available in the coming days.