The Irish Farmers Association says the closure of McDonald's restaurants across the country is a huge blow for the beef industry.
One in five hamburgers sold in McDonald's in Europe is of Irish origin.
Management at the fast food chain say closing down is the only way to keep staff and customers safe during the pandemic.
IFA President Tim Cullinan says farmers will take a hit.
"This is a huge blow obviously for Irish beef farmers this morning.
"We have to look on the positive side - if there is a positive side at the moment it's that the volume of beef sales in retail has improved vastly over the last number of days.
"But obviously this is of major concern. McDonald's were a huge buyer of Irish beef, not just in Ireland but across Europe as well."
