Farmers want inspection and TB test cuts

IFA President Padraig Walshe said Taoiseach Brian Cowen has agreed to closely examine IFA’s plan for maintaining funding for vital farm schemes, while cutting 27% of the Department of Agriculture’s budget.

Mr Walshe met the Taoiseach and Tanaiste Mary Coughlan after the protest last Monday by more than 500 farmers at the Fianna Fáil meeting in Athlone.

Walshe said reducing and combining cross compliance and nitrates inspections on farms, using meat inspection technicians under veterinary supervision, and allowing cattle be sent for slaughter within 18 months of a TB test, can help to save up to €80 million per year. IFA propose savings of €14m in research expenditure.