The Irish Farmers' Association has called on the Minister for Agriculture to reject the current EU proposals for reform of the sugar industry.
Following a meeting between both sides this afternoon, the IFA's Sugar Beet chairman, Jim O'Regan said he was confident Minister Mary Coughlan would resist the reforms and fight for a viable industry.
The IFA says leaked proposals suggest that Ireland could face a 47% price cut which they believe would devastate beet growing here.
Mr O'Regan said he had received assurances from the minister that it was inconceivable that grower compensation funds would go to Greencore.
Mr O'Regan stressed that any EU restructuring scheme must be voluntary, and provide full compensation directly to Irish beet growers who give up their livelihood in beet, including growers affected by the Carlow factory closure.
