ICSA calls for review of regulations imposed during-foot-and-mouth crisis

THE Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) yesterday called on Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to revisit the rules imposed on farmers and agricultural production at the time of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

President Malcolm Thompson said many of these rules and regulations were ‘fire-fighting’ reactions which were very necessary at the time but should now be modified or completely scrapped.

“These rules wormed their way in the back door unopposed and have now become part and parcel of unnecessary regulation,” Mr Thompson said.