Farmers are feeling increased pressure from Bord Bia Quality Assurance (QA) inspections, the chairman of the IFA livestock committee has said.

When asked by the Irish Farmers Journal what the feeling is about QA inspections, Henry Burns said there is much “disillusionment” at present.

Pressure

“Farmers feel that they are under more pressure than usual from inspections,” he said. “Both myself and the IFA remain supportive of the concept of QA, but there are some problems. There are farmers, good farmers, who are coming to me and saying very clearly that they are under enormous pressure from these inspections and audits. The relationship between the auditor and the farmers needs to be very good and at the minute, it just isn’t.”

Burns said that he understands and respects the need for a robust QA system to maintain and develop new markets, but there needs to be support for farmers too.

Breakdown of trust

“Over 80% of cattle in the country are now QA and that’s a great thing, but there is a breakdown of trust in some circumstances. Auditors are coming on to a farm and, in some instances, are taking over 30 photos of farmer’s property. This seems excessive. Where’s the collaboration and the sense of we’re in this together for the betterment of the industry,” Burns added.

Bord Bia is currently undergoing a review of the QA system and Burns added that these concerns must be taken into consideration during this process.