The Agriculture Minister is urging Meat Industry Ireland to reflect on their decision to withdraw from beef talks.
Talks were due to resume yesterday but MII pulled out because farmers continue to protest at processing plants.
It says the blockades are forcing factories to close indefinitely.
Minister Michael Creed has said it is essential that MII engages with farmers.
"I would make the direct point to MII: Engagement with your customers is a business imperative," said Mr Creed.
"And we cannot have a situation where their refusal to engage effectively closes down the entire industry.
"I would appeal to them - and to all parties now - to reflect and particularly to reflect on the fact that any unilateral action now has a capacity not to add to the possibility of a solution but actually to exacerbate the difficulties we face."
