The Government must end Greencore's monopoly on the Irish sugar industry, farm leaders told a 4,000-strong demonstration today.
Farmers, hauliers, farm contractors, trade unions, politicians and members of the local community brought Carlow town to a standstill during a march against the closure of the local Irish Sugar factory.
IFA president Mr John Dillon condemned Greencore's closure of the factory after 80 years, saying it was a stab in the back for beet growers and over 300 workers in the plant. He called on the Government to take strong action against the Greencore "monopoly".
He said: "I want to change the law to make farmers owners of the Irish sugar quota, and to stop Greencore from further asset stripping. The quota is the property of beet growers.
"The Irish sugar industry faces its greatest ever challenge in the EU sugar reform and WTO negotiations. "The IFA is fighting a major battle in Europe against EU price and quota cuts. It's a fight for the survival of beet growing and processing in Ireland.
"Beet growers are outraged that Greencore has damaged our case in Europe at this critical time and are appalled that Greencore is shutting down a profitable plant."
The IFA's Sugar Beet Committee chairman Mr Jim O'Regan said: "Greencore's decision is a body blow to beet growers, to workers, to the town of Carlow and to the community in the south-east."
"The Carlow sugar factory is a profitable plant. It made at least €10 million profit for Greencore last year. There is no reason why it would not make the same profit this year."
The marchers began their protest in the town centre and stopped outside the gates of the factory.