A new association of farmer shareholders in Greencore has said it will be a "constant irritant" to management until the group pursues a more competent strategy and represents the interest of farmer shareholders. Mr Joe Rea, former president of the IFA and chairman of the new association, Green Share, said farmers were disappointed at the poor performance of Greencore, the lack of research & development, product diversity and the poor return to farmers.

Figures compiled by the association from Greencore's annual report show farmers got £55 million for their sugar at £251 per tonne in 1999. This, according to Mr Rea, should be increased by £4 per tonne of sugar beet.

Mr Rea said the association would raise a variety of farmers' issues at the company's annual general meeting on February 10th.

Greencore, in a statement yesterday, said farmer shareholders traditionally played a full part in the a.g.m, the board dealt with their interests in a considered fashion, and that this policy would remain.