Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) suckler chair Jimmy Cosgrave has called for “greater flexibility” on the requirement for farmers to provide a weighing scales during on-farm SCEP inspections.
Following a minimum 48 hour notice period prior to an inspection, farmers must have submitted weights to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), as well as sourcing a weighing scales for the day.
Farmers have the option to use their own scales if they own one, and if not, they may avail of a scales free of charge through one of the ICBF networked scale rental depots or they may also borrow a scales from a neighbour who owns one.
The suckler chair said that the requirement by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is “excessive and an unnecessary burden” for farmers.
“While the department claims that adequate notice and free rental options are available, this fails to consider the practical challenges farmers face.
“Many are already under significant pressure managing their day-to-day workload, and this added layer of bureaucracy only increases their stress,” Cosgrave said.
He said that the 100% penalty which follows the failure to produce a scales is “disproportionate” and could lead to “financial consequences” for farmers.
SCEP
“The department must recognise that not all farmers have immediate access to a scales or the ability to arrange one on short notice.
“While compliance with the scheme is important, there must be a fairer and more flexible approach to inspections. Farmers should not be penalised unfairly for issues that are often beyond their control,” Cosgrave said.
“We want to work with the department to ensure the success of the SCEP, but this level of rigidity is counterproductive. SCEP farmers deserve support, not sanctions,” he added.
The ICSA is calling on the department to review the current requirements and consider alternative solutions that reduce the administrative and logistical “burden” on farmers.