ICMSA calls for fewer inspections
In welcoming last week’s announcement by the Minister for Agriculture and Food that the number of cross-compliance inspections will fall by 2000 this year, Mr O’Leary said that substantial amendments are still required if the inspection procedures are to treat farmers fairly and reasonably.
The Deputy President said that a number of key issues must be addressed, including that of 14 days notice of inspection. Under the Charter of Rights For Farmers 2005/07, the Department had given a commitment to serve 14 days notice of inspection for all cross-compliance inspections. This commitment must now be carried through as it was essential to take account of the changing nature of farming — in particular, the growth of part-time farming.
Mr O’Leary said that the levels of inspections must fall to 1% of all farmers. In 2006, over 7,000 will be subjected to a cross-compliance inspection. This was unacceptably high and the Department have committed to reducing inspections to 1% by 2007. ICMSA expects this commitment to be delivered on.
