In line with Government advice, as of Thursday 22 October all farm audits will be conducted remotely while Level 5 restrictions remain in place, a spokesperson for Bord Bia has told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Any on-farm audits currently scheduled are to be rescheduled as remote audits. Bord Bia will contact each affected farmer directly to reschedule.

Adapting to measures

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Since remote audits were introduced in April 2020, over 17,000 have been conducted with beef, sheep and dairy farmers, Bord Bia has said.

The spokesperson said Bord Bia is grateful for the co-operation of all farmer members in adapting to these measures.

If any farmer has a query about an upcoming audit or would like guidance on its completion, they can contact the Bord Bia help desk on 01-524 0410, open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.

Marts

Meanwhile, new measures are to be implemented at marts during the six-week restriction period.

There will be no bidders allowed around the mart ring to purchase cattle and sellers must drop livestock and leave.

The new measures follow negotiations held jointly between the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Associated Livestock Marts and the Department of Agriculture.

Read more

Coronavirus Level 5: how marts will work

Coronavirus Level 5: what farmers need to know