Five farming groups were due to meet Minister Charlie McConalogue, to discuss changes to nitrogen limits and delays to A-N-C payments.
However, the Irish Farmers' Association decided to boycott the meeting, and were joined by three other farming organisations.
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association decided to cross the picket and speak to the minister.
Chairman of North Cork IFA Pat O’Keeffe told RedFM News why he attended the protest
"I feel that the Minister is not answering our call and equally the government is not standing up to represent farmers which is our native industry and which is contributing to the Irish economy in a big way. And we're not getting a fair cut at it on the derogation of the nitrates. It is impacting on commercial farming in Ireland and is impacting on all farming in Ireland because it has repercussions down the way for other sectors as well"
