In the wake of the recent landmark case between farmer Michael O’Connor and the Department of Agriculture, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) are calling for changes on how farm inspections are carried out. National chair Vincent Roddy said the Department should provide farmers with all decision making documentation after a decision has been reached. Roddy says the Agricultural Appeals office is “no longer fit for purpose” and is also calling for the establishment of an Independent Appeals Board.

Roddy highlighted a UK appeals board as a possible model and have outlined how they feel an independent appeals board should work. “This Board, the INHFA believe, should have oversight on all schemes and comprise of a panel that includes a farmer representative. Roddy stated “all of the requests (below) is what any person involved in the Irish Court System would expect so why should farmers be any different;

  • All decisions must be fully enforceable against the Department with the burden of proof on the department.
  • All decisions should be reached within three months of first appearing in front of the board and farmers should continue to be paid any benefit not at issue until a final decision is reached.
  • Only information received by the farmer from the Department when the original decision was issued is allowed and no further information can be added on the day of

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    the appeal as has happened with the Agricultural Appeals Office.

  • If successful the farmer should be awarded expert costs and interest.