Three hundred farmers protested outside the Banagher maltings plant in Co Offaly today over Greencore's decision to close the factory.
The farmers claim it has delivered a double blow to growers in the Midlands region.
The Irish Farmers' Association said the closure, coupled with the loss of Greencore's sugar factory in Carlow, puts the future viability of arable farming in the region in question.
However, Greencore says it is focusing resources on the much larger and more efficient facility in Athy, Co Kildare.
