Furious farmers protest in Tesco as prices slashed
ANGRY farmers are stacking up shopping trolleys in Tesco -- then walking out without buying anything in a show of frustration with the supermarket chain.
The unofficial action is part of a new wave of protests by farmers furious at the retail giant for slashing the prices it pays to suppliers, while increasing profit margins.
The farmers, who say they are fighting for their survival, called off a protest in Tesco in Athlone, Co Westmeath, last night.
But last week up to 70 farmers in Tullamore, Co Offaly, went into Tesco and put dairy products in trolleys.
The trolleys were linked together before the farmers left the store and staff were forced to restock the empty shelves.
Spontaneous
Offaly IFA chairman Aidan Larkin said the action was a "spontaneous reaction" after a meeting by dairy farmers in Tullamore.
"We didn't break the law, we go in and sometimes we buy some produce," he said. "It's not our policy to normally go out and do things like this but its our only hope of survival.
"Tesco announced their profits, they've been on the airwaves for the past fortnight on how they're co-operating and helping out the 26 counties but any cuts that are taking place are being passed back to the producers," he said. "Tesco aren't taking any pain at all, if the pain was shared, it would be easier."
IFA president Padraig Walshe said he was "not surprised" at the farmers' decision to make a stand against Tesco.
"I can understand the frustration totally. Tesco is trying to portray themselves as the farmers' friend. Farmers are losing a lot of money this year. Consumers will pay a higher price in the long term because there will be less and less food produced," he said.
Annoyed
Mr Walshe said he was "annoyed" at job announcements for major retail stores across the country as the net gain for the economy was "actually negative".
"In the process of opening up these big stores, a lot of small family-run operations within a 20 mile radius of these retail stores suffer as a result."
"The Government employs enough economists now to calculate the net position of the economy as a result of these openings," he added.
A spokesperson for Tesco was unavailable for comment.
hnews@herald.ie
- Michael Lavery
