Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and his department have been called on to re-assess their ongoing farm inspections through the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.
Making the calls, Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) president Colm O’Donnell outlined how farmers have been contacting his organisation following notification of inspections, concerned of the possible risk of contracting the virus as they seek to comply with these inspections.
“Many of the farmers that have contacted us are elderly or have underlying health conditions and are currently doing everything possible in limiting their personal contacts as they try to stay safe,” the president said.
While inspectors are informing them that they don’t need to be present for the inspection, farmers are required to have all the animals penned.
This, the president said, “is where the main problem arises, as these farmers often need help in gathering their stock which puts them in direct contact with people that are not part of their immediate family circle”.
The inspections of most concern relate to cattle and sheep, O’Donnell said, adding: “They often come with a minimum notice of 24 hours, which gives farmers very little time to organise help.”
While farmers have the option to defer any inspection for up to two weeks, he stressed “most farmers are reluctant to ask for this as they feel it may come against them when the inspection does happen”.
“Furthermore, a two-week delay will still not take us out of the timeframe for Level 5 restrictions.”
O’Donnell accepted that inspections are a part of our farm payment process and a requirement under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations.
However, he stressed there is “a need to recognise the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in due to Covid-19”.
We need to provide the same level of protection to vulnerable farmers as any other Irish or EU citizen. On this basis it isn’t unreasonable to offer these farmers the opportunity to postpone any inspection for the duration of our Level 5 restrictions.
It’s also important to note that the people carrying out those inspections are also at risk, he added.
“The opportunity to defer these inspections should be offered to the farmer by the department inspector when they are been notified of the inspection. By making this offer, vulnerable farmers won’t feel compelled to risk their own health to carry out the inspection.
“We have contacted the department on this and are hopeful that its staff will take on board our suggestions,” O’Donnell concluded.