Farmers throughout the country have vowed to continue their protest against EU regulations of the industry.
Last night farmers in their thousands protested in solidarity with their European counterparts who say EU bureaucracy is severely impacting their livelihoods.
Over 190 tractors took part in the demonstration in Dungarvan with representation from all over Waterford.
Waterford IFA Chairman John Heffernan says something has got to give and that is why we have seen farmers protest.
"I want to say a word of appreciation to all the people that turned up tonight. We've tractors here from every side of the county and people came because they felt that we do need to support and have solidarity with our colleagues in Europe because of all the changes that have been imposed upon us."
"There are lots of reasons why our Department and Minister need to change what they've been doing and come and talk to us. That's our appeal, we want people to listen to our concerns. We'll see you again maybe soon."
Waterford IFA Environment Chair Mark Connors says no one is willing to listen to those on the ground.
"Meeting the people this evening and seeing the crowds around the country this evening, it's real evidence of the disconnect between our political elite and us, the front-line environmentalists, the farmers on the ground with muck under their fingernails and we've got to take a stand here. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive this home and we need to we need to puck out the ball a bit differently here and do something different. We'll just see what will happen next", said Connors.
“Sinn Féin expresses solidarity with the farmers protest across the country and across Europe", said local Cllr. Conor McGuinness.
“Many family farmers are frustrated with mounting challenges they have been facing, and rightly so. We know that far too often, farmers do not receive a fair price for their produce, which has been compounded by soaring input costs in recent years. As well as this, farmers are increasingly being asked to do more concerning climate action and biodiversity, and amidst discussion around sustainability and diversification."
“Given the constant policy U-turns that farmers have faced from successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments, it is completely understandable that the frustration that farmers in Ireland feel has culminated in the protests taking place today, and in solidarity with their European counterparts", Cllr. McGuinness conceded.
“Sinn Féin believes that, at a time when much is being asked of farmers, it is crucial that we support our family farmers to deliver and to thrive into the future.
“The family farm is at the heart of rural communities in Ireland, intertwined with the people in those communities, and a cornerstone of rural economies. This has been the case for generations and can and should be the role that family farms play for generations to come.”
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