Progress was being reported last night in ongoing talks at Government Buildings between the Irish Sugar Company and the Irish Farmers' Association.
Both sides had been summoned to peace talks by the Tβnaiste, Ms Harney, and the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh.
The three-week dispute has led to the closure of the Mallow, Co Cork, and Carlow sugar processing facilities.
It has also seen protective notice being served on the company's 650 full- and part-time workers.
Notice expired last Monday for some workers.
The talks involving the two sides and the two Ministers began at 2.30 p.m. yesterday when the Sugar Company delegation arrived at Government buildings. The IFA negotiators arrived an hour later.
Ministers began to move between both parties seeking some forward movement in the negotiations.
The search to find a solution was based on documents drawn up by the Government-appointed mediator, Mr Paddy Teahon.
He had been seeking a way to break the deadlock.
The growers claim they need more money for their crop to compensate them for the increased costs involved in growing the beet.
The Irish Sugar Company has resisted any price increase to the farmer/growers. It has been holding out for an independent adjudication system to determine the price in coming years.
Despite a High Court injunction preventing the Irish Farmers' Association, which represents the 3,800 growers, from picketing the plants, farmers who have not been supplying the plants for the last 22 days are remaining outside both premises as "individuals".
A High Court judgment has been reserved in the action brought by the sugar company for an interlocutory injunction, which was opposed by the farm organisation.
It is due for delivery at 10.30 a.m. today.