The Irish Farmers Association says the government needs to do everything it can to avoid a Russian ban on Irish food.
Russia's expected to announce a blanket ban on all food and drink imports from the EU later today, in response to sanctions over Russia's actions in the Ukraine.
The ban could put over €200 million of Irish exports in jeopardy.
And IFA president Eddie Downey says some sectors will be badly hit by any ban in Russia.
"This could have a serious impact on our dairy industry and particularly the cheese side, where we do a good bit of business - a lot of business - with Russia on that whole area," he says.
"It is a growing market for us.
"We have ambitions of expanding our dairy industry, so anything that would affect that could have a detrimental effect."
The Slane-based farmer says the government needs to act urgently to try and stop the ban from taking effect.
"I think the Minister [for Agriculture, Simon Coveney] needs to get on the pitch and make sure that Europe realises the responsibilities they have here, and protect the food industry here in Europe.
"All political efforts have to be made to make sure that food continues to be traded, that people continue to be fed, and that vulnerable people are protected within the system."
Minister Coveney admits the food sector will be concerned by the ban.
"Russia has been targeted by our companies as an expanding and growing market for our produce - and that has been shown to be the case as well," the minister said this morning.
"Last year was the highest export figure we ever had to Russia, and it's been steadily growing year on year.
"This is a big backwards step, and that's why it's not welcome."
Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News:
