By Cliona Connolly

 

MONAGHAN’S economy faces a  €30 million slump and at least 400 people’s livelihoods will be destroyed with Grove Turkey’s rationalisation plans.

 

That’s the view of the Monaghan Growers Association who spoke exclusively to the Monaghan Post this week.

 

Gerry Lynch and Seamus McCarville, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Grower’s Association, have grown turkeys for over 23 years. 

 

He told the Post: “Locally, our members have invested €15 million in infrastructure and must honour bank repayments on that debt but with our turkey houses empty until September their next cheque will not arrive until February.”

 

Grove, which up to now has been one of Monaghan’s largest employment sectors, plan to cut 130 job cuts at the Smithboro factory to save the plant from closure.

 

The rationalisation programme is blamed on the cheap imports market. The company will move to a seasonal production supplying Easter and Christmas markets only while continuing to supply processed poultry and cold cuts.

 

The Growers Chairman also added:  “As growers we are not against competition. We just want a level playing field.

 

“The consumer should be able to distinguish the Irish product from the non-EU product.” To do this, growers are appealing for Country of Origin labelling. The Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, has tabled the labelling issue in Brussels and expects a response by March 14.

 

IFA Chairman says that the consumer is being “hoodwinked” by labelling. “We know nothing about products imported from outside of the EU. We don’t know what these animals are fed, the conditions they are reared in or whether they are safe for human consumption.”

 

Since the announcement, the Association held two meetings with Grove Management. “They are keen to see the introduction of origin labelling and has assured us that if the business becomes profitable again they will return to full production.” 

 

Meanwhile, the IFA and turkey, chicken & pork representatives met with NI Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew and Cavan/Monaghan TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Monaghan County Councillor Pat Treanor were in Stormont on Monday last where the plight of Monaghan growers was a  priority.

 

The growers will also meet MEP Jim Higgins tomorrow (Friday) in Clones alongside Monaghan County Councillor Hughie McElvaney, to continue the campaign.