Farmers’ charter talks at ‘critical’ juncture
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.
Mr Phelan was referring to the Farmers’ charter negotiations which are at a critical juncture, he said.
“Fair play for farmers must be at the heart of this process and inspections must be based on a sense of justice and respect for farmers.
“The charter must cover all agents of the department including the replacement unit which has taken over from the special investigation unit,” he said.
