Farmers’ charter talks at ‘critical’ juncture

The Farmers’ charter will only be deemed a success if it delivers a fair and just inspection process for farmers which recognises that 100% perfection is not the minimum standard, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association.

ICSA Beef Committee chairman Edmond Phelan said the charter must deal with the fact that, for example, a certain level of tag loss is inevitable.

“Whether the solution is called an early warning system or a yellow card system is beside the point; what is essential is that farmers do not get penalties for minor issues such as a few animals missing a tag or a minor deficiency in a farmyard on a nitrates inspection,” he said.