Over 100 farmers leading a dairy cow garbed in the Cork colours protested outside the new Aldi store in Ballincollig, near Cork city, yesterday. They were angry that milk produced by local farmers is not on sale while milk from Northern Ireland is being sold at 89p for a two-litre carton.
The president of the IFA, Mr Tom Parlon, said that Aldi had so far exhibited the worst aspects of a ruthless multinational retailer approach, predominantly acting as a conduit for imports in a way that would crush local suppliers.
He said that when the Aldi approach was challenged it immediately complained to the Competition Authority as if it were a small enterprise trying to get on its feet - "and not the £20 billion multinational colossus which they actually are. "There is no attempt to be sensitive to local communities or to show loyalty to Irish suppliers and Irish food brands. Questions invariably arise as to quality and traceability when locally produced food is virtually sidelined.
"If this supermarket chain wants to be successful in the Irish market, I believe they need to make a dramatic change in their approach instead of threatening legal action against those who dare to question their policies.
"While recognising that Aldi retails Irish products internationally, this does not mean they can come into Ireland and evade responsibility for their actions."
He added that the IFA was disappointed that the Competition Authority had commented publicly on the issue before allowing reasonable time to hear the IFA's account.
A two-litre carton of locally produced milk would normally retail for at least £1.14p.
The IFA central executive chairman in Cork said the demonstration was aimed at bringing the legitimate concerns of local producers to the attention of the public.
Mr Val Cashman, chairman of the Cork liquid milk producers' organisation, said: "As producer representatives, we are perfectly entitled to inform the public of our concerns over the lack of loyalty displayed by Aldi towards local food producers."