UNNECESSARY DEPARTMENT RESTRICTIONS ON MOVEMENTS COULD DAMAGE THE CALF TRADE – IFA
IFA President Joe Healy said the IFA has strongly outlined farmer objections and concerns over the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the farm-to-farm movements put forward by the Dept of Agriculture.
“Ahead of the peak sale time for calves, these restrictions by the Department could damage the trade in a year when we need to see the doubling of numbers exported. We should be removing obstacles, not adding them.”
IFA has previously raised objections with the Department of Agriculture and pointed out that the changes to the farm-to-farm movement of animals fails to recognise the practical reality of the marketplace.
IFA National Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell said while the majority of calves sold are over 10 days of age, the Department must facilitate the movement of young calves to farms where a replacement calf is needed for a suckler cow.
In relation to the shortening of the validity period of farm-to-farm compliance certificate and the requirement to identify the destination herd, this will impact on the functioning of the market, especially for farmers who are reliant on the paper-based system.
Pat Farrell said applying both changes is unnecessary, particularly the requirement to identify the destination herd at the time of application as this will interfere directly with the market.
IFA has again called on Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and the Department to reconsider the changes.
