Farmers facing higher costs with new antiparasitic rules, says ICSA

The ICSA have warned that farmers are already seeing antiparasitics increase in prices with the looming rule change in December

A licensed merchant has issued a warning this week on forecasted price increases of antiparasitics after December 1.

Farmers are already seeing an impact following a price rise warning issued this week by a licensed merchant for antiparasitics which will take effect once new rules come into force on December 1.

ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron has said farmers are already seeing the impact of the upcoming move to prescription-only antiparasitic medicines.

“Farmers are now being told directly that prices are going to rise. Some merchants have had no choice but to hire a vet, or will have to hire a vet, just to keep supplying farmers. 

"That extra cost has to be covered somehow, and in the end it will land on farmers. There is no point pretending otherwise,” he said.

Mr Barron said this is exactly what the ICSA has been warning about for years. “Any time extra red tape is added, it is never cost-neutral. It always lands back on the farmer. This is just another example of a policy designed in an office with no regard for the realities on the ground.” 

With the new rules coming in, common antiparasitic treatments such as wormers and fluke doses will require a veterinary prescription through the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS).

Farmers will no longer be able to buy these products directly from co-ops or licensed merchants without first obtaining a prescription. Mr Barron said the situation is made even harder to accept because of clear double standards in EU policy.

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“Brussels keeps tightening the screw on Irish farmers while waving through meat from countries that wouldn’t know a regulation if it hit them in the face. That is simply not fair. 

“We have spoken to everyone involved, and the same concerns come up again and again. This approach will undermine licensed merchants, add cost, add delay, and create unnecessary hassle without delivering any real improvement. Everyone can see that — except the department.” 

He said the ICSA is calling on minister Heydon to push this back again and work towards a solution that doesn’t heap extra cost and pressure on farmers or licensed merchants.