The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has warned that fuel price protests taking place across the country today (Wednesday, April 8) are now "impacting" on farmers.

Minister Martin Heydon has condemned the protests which he said could also cause "animal welfare issues".

According to the minister, the blockage of ports by protesters has prevented the transportation of feed ingredients to feed mills and merchants which he said has "serious potential implications for pig and poultry farmers in particular".

Minister Heydon also confirmed that he had received reports that milk is not being collected from some dairy farmers, which he said is "denying them a means to make their living".

"I and my officials have already met with farm bodies, Ibec (Irish Business and Employers Confederation), and the farm contractors and further to that I have supported the establishment of a new national farm contractors group.

"I am meeting all agri stakeholders this Friday," he added.

Fuel protests

Fuel price protests have continued for a second day with convoys of tractors, hauliers, and contractors impacting on the flow of traffic on some of the country's key motorways and main arterial roads today as protesters continue to call for a cap on fuel prices.

Major routes around Dublin city centre were cut off as protesters with tractors shut down road access to O’Connell Street.

Separately, fuel depots and access to ports were also blocked by protesters in Co. Galway and Co. Limerick.

According to Minister Heydon, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is working closely with "industry stakeholders".

The minister added: “We are maintaining close and continuous engagement with farmers, fishers, processors and industry representatives to ensure we fully understand the challenges they are facing and can respond appropriately.”

He said meetings had taken place with farming organisations and contractors and fertiliser importers.

Minister Heydon also outlined that a Farm Contracting Working Group has been established to address sector-specific challenges.

In addition to this, he said Bord Bia is providing "logistics support and helping exporters identify alternative routes to market" and DAFM is "facilitating certification to enable rerouting of exports".

Minister Heydon said the government is also aware that farmers and businesses could face cash flow issues because of the Middle East crisis.

"I will be engaging with financial institutions to ensure that farmers and agri-food businesses are supported through short-term pressures and that flexibility is provided where needed," the minister added.