Agriculture row leads to officers’ suspension

ALMOST 150 clerical officers have been knocked off the payroll by the Department of Agriculture in four regional offices in an ongoing dispute over grading.

Offices are sure to be plunged into chaos with this being the last week for farmers to submit Area Aid applications for EU grants and subsidies.

The row took a serious twist yesterday when officers, who have been on a staggered work-to-rule since March 18, were suspended.