The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, has confirmed a number of flexibilities to schemes run by his department in response to Covid-19 issues.

These flexibilities – some of which have already emerged over the last number of weeks – are being introduced, the department says, to make it easier for farmers and their agents to continue to participate in these schemes where difficulties arise from the current public health restrictions in place.

“Obviously, public health measures are our priority concern right now, but it’s essential that farming continues and the schemes run by my department are important in delivering some of the key productivity and environmental outputs from Irish farms,” the minister commented.

TAMS ‘flexibility’

A number of new flexibilities were also introduced specifically for TAMS.

Furthermore, on the health and safety course requirement for TAMS (these courses are now postponed), a derogation is now in place which defers the obligation to do the course, but allows the applicant to be paid for completed works.

This derogation is proposed for a three-month period. These participants will be required to complete a course when courses resume.

TB testing

Minister Creed also drew attention to the additional flexibilities he has introduced with regard to TB testing arrangements where the department “continues to seek to facilitate farmers in continuing efforts to eradicate TB and undertake testing as required”.

“The overriding principle in all situations is that the health and safety of farmers, vets, service providers, contractors, other staff and their families is paramount,” Minister Creed concluded.