Updated AgFood Portal unworkable, says IFA

IFA Rural Development Chair, John Curran, has called for a review of the updated Department of Agriculture AgFood Portal after influx of login complaints from farmers.

The IFA have received an influx of complaints due to login issues experienced by farmers after the Portal's update.

Following the revamp of the Department of Agriculture’s AgFood Portal, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has called for a review following challenges arising from the update.

IFA Rural Development Chair, John Curran, said: “We are getting calls from farmers the length and breadth of the country that are having issues getting into AgFood, particularly those in poor coverage areas who can’t get their access tokens on time, or it’s sent to their son/daughter who signed in before them. 

The old log-on system was a bit cumbersome, but it was working, so changing it has to be questioned.

“There are some positive aspects to the portal in terms of its look and feel that should be acknowledged, but they are of no use if you can’t get into the system in the first place. 

"In simple terms, farmers can’t be locked out of the system,” he continued.

The Rural Development chairperson went on to say the portal is becoming more important to the running of farms from a compliance and department communication perspective. 

The login issues need to be looked at and a resolution found quickly, he said.

“IFA has raised this in the DAFM working group and we pointed out on more than one occasion that these changes would make AgFood inaccessible for a large number of farmers. 

"We have provided alternative solutions which we will be putting forward again at upcoming working group meetings,” Mr Curran concluded.