The Irish Farmers Association is to remain outside the social partnership negotiations following what it said was a "difficult" meeting with the Minister for the Environment on Wednesday, writes Seán MacConnell.
The IFA withdrew because of the Government's handling of the implementation of the EU nitrates directive which will limit the use of fertilisers.
IFA president Pádraig Walshe said Dick Roche had assured him there was no fault in the new Teagasc advice to Government and he was determined to amend the nitrates regulations accordingly.
He had left Mr Roche in no doubt about the frustration of farmers and the damage to agriculture that would result.
He said he had received a commitment from the Minister that the fisheries boards would have no role in the enforcement of the regulations.
Mr Walshe said the IFA's involvement in social partnership remained suspended until there was a satisfactory conclusion to the nitrates dispute.
Earlier this week, Icos, the umbrella body for the Irish co-operative movement, ended its boycott of the talks.