IFA accuses Coveney of delaying farmers’ charter

The IFA yesterday accused Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney of foot-dragging on finalising a new charter of rights for farmers.

Deputy president Tim O’Leary, speaking at a protest outside the minister’s office in Dublin, said farmers were promised the charter to coincide with the new CAP, which began on January 1.

He said farmers had become increasingly frustrated at the burden of bureaucracy, unannounced inspections, land eligibility and other penalties being imposed by an inflexible and unfair EU regime.