**WATCH** Farm picket lifted after proposals backed

Beef farmers protesting outside Ballyjamesduff processor Liffey Meats have voted in favour of backing a range of proposals put to them that in effect lifts the picket and a resumption of “meaningful talks”.

The proposals are set out in a signed document handed to farmers standing outside the factory earlier this evening.

The proposals were later put to a vote by farmers which concluded with 265 backing the proposals, 12 against, and seven spoiled votes.

The set of proposals being supported include that no cattle would be brought in for the rest of the week, and only empty refrigerated containers will be brought in for the rest of the week’.

All loaded refrigerated containers will meanwhile be allowed out for the rest of the week.

Furthermore, all existing High Court proceedings including injunction proceedings will be struck out this week with no order for costs, and meaningful talks will commence as soon as possible with no threats of injunction proceedings made while these talks are in progress.

All arrangements will be reviewed on Saturday, September 7, and it is stated that there will be no discrimination towards any farmers taking part in the pickets should they decide to sell stock to the factory in future.

The proposals follow a similar tact taken by the Dawn Meats Factory outside Slane in Co Meath following an agreement made with farmers this morning. 

The deal was agreed in Meath between factory management and farmers and consisted of the following: all of the trucks with cattle waiting to gain access into the factory would be turned around and sent home. All of the material within the process at the factory would be allowed to shipped out of the factory up until 6pm tomorrow and at that stage the gates of the factory would be locked. The factory will remain closed until the beef crisis is resolved.