Farmers need clarity on LPIS appeals process
3,854: The number of those farmers whose cases had been finalised by June 24. What about the remainder? Three months ago, the minister stated that a further 3,464 cases had been referred for verification visits, but we still don’t know how many of these visits have actually taken place. Worse again, there is no indication as to when the entire process will be complete.
How can it be right that farmers face the threat of losing a huge portion of their incomes while the minister drags his heels on dealing with their appeals? ICSA has asked the Department of Agriculture, for an up-to-date position on the matter but no information has been forthcoming. Is there a stack of files gathering dust in some back office since the minister and his staff took off on their summer holidays?
