New measures have been announced by the Mart Managers of Ireland, which will take immediate effect in member marts around the country as of Wednesday, March 18.

Brought in to prevent the spread of coronavirus Covid-19, the measures comprise 11 key points aimed at ensuring best health guidelines.

The points – which include measures such as buyer-only entry and limited entry for sellers – are aimed at providing a “workable solution” – to allow a continued flow of trade, while maintaining high health and safety standards and protocols.

In a statement this evening, Monday, March 16, the Mart Managers of Ireland noted that a number of the measures have already been introduced by some marts for recent sales, adding:

“Collectively we have put forward these guidelines which we will all be adhering to over the coming weeks in order to continue trading – while also complying with Government guidelines and maintaining health and safety standards for both farmers and staff.”

The measures will apply to all member marts of the Mart Managers of Ireland, which number approximately 30 marts around the country.

In the accompanying statement, the mart managers’ association said:

“We hope that farmers and members of the public will understand the need for these changes and will work with marts, in order for us to carry out sales in the safest possible way for everyone.

“We encourage all farmers that have any questions to contact your local marts.

“We feel that, if we all work together, the quicker that time will come. Keep safe everyone,” the association concluded.