Farmers react with caution to new TB eradication plan and 30 proposed actions
The ICSA’s John Barron has called for another TB forum without delay.
Farming organisations have reacted with reservations surrounding the new 30 actions announced in Ireland's new TB plan.
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) welcomed the action plan established by the department, with its emphasis on data transparency, improved farmer supports, and new marketing outlets as some of the key takeaways for the society.
Speaking on the published action plan, ICOS livestock and environmental services executive Ray Doyle said: “ICOS values the emphasis on data transparency, improved farmer supports, and new marketing outlets for restricted herds, which can help alleviate some of the stress and financial strain of outbreaks.
"At the same time, we believe that successful implementation will depend on striking the right balance between effective disease control and maintaining fair, workable conditions for farm families.”
However, Mr Doyle emphasised the need for further clarity from the minister of agriculture, Martin Heydon, in regards to the special cull cow sales proposed in the action plan, saying: “We will need further clarity from the minister on mart sales and movements through marts over the next few weeks.”
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has criticised the new action plan, calling it lop-sided.
Speaking on the release, ICMSA president Denis Drennan said: “As ICMSA repeatedly warned against, the actions and requirements are very firm on farmers, and very flimsy on everyone else!”
Mr Drennan focused especially on what he said were the “vague commitments” required of other actors, and he said that those would need to move past this aspirational "fuzz" and become firm, and clear targets with timelines and markers had to be reached with specified timeframes.
Mr Drennan said that the success or failure of the plan would depend on time-lined accountability.
“It’s entirely up to the minister at this stage; if he wants farmers support, then he has to show that he’s in earnest about getting the other actors to really commit — and we include his own department in this — and only in that way will he signal that he’s genuinely serious about carrying through the measures that everyone knows are required,” concluded the ICMSA president.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has mixed feelings on the matter of the new action plan, with IFA president Francie Gorman saying the plan consists of some positive aspects, but other areas of the plan fall short and continue to persecute farmers with herds who have failed a TB test.
“While we fully understand that there needs to be a new programme, it would have been better to have an agreement with farmers… I would acknowledge that the minister and the department took on board a lot of the concerns raised by IFA and others. However, this document was not agreed with the IFA,” Mr Gorman said.
The IFA president called in particular for a review and removal of the outdated ceilings of €3,000 and €5,000 applied by the department to the on-farm market valuation scheme.
“Removing the outdated ceilings that have failed to keep pace with the value of animals in the marketplace in the Live Valuation scheme is the first step, and it must happen immediately,” said IFA animal health chair TJ Maher.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) animal health and welfare chair, John Barron, has said that some aspects of the plan are positive, but some measures won't sit well with farmers.
“We also welcome several new elements of the plan, including a 30% increase in wildlife operatives, the establishment of a telephone helpline for farmers entering a breakdown — something ICSA has long been insisting on — special sales for restricted animals, financial assistance for on-farm biosecurity measures, and a commitment to consistency across all District Veterinary Offices,” Mr Barron said.
Mr Barron also called for another TB Forum without delay to provide oversight of the rollout for this new plan and to monitor its performance.
“We also need to address the issue of outdated compensation caps. Unless this and other concerns are dealt with in full, the goodwill needed to make this plan work will not be there. Farmers want to see progress towards eradication, but it has to be achieved in partnership with them, not at their expense,” he added.
