Farmers, farm labourers, farm relief service workers, and others involved directly or indirectly in crop and animal production have been classed as essential workers by the Government under the new coronavirus measures which were announced on Friday night.

All of those involved in “related activities” to farming, which includes veterinary services, are also classed as essential.

The manufacture of food and beverage products, prepared animal feeds, chemicals and chemical products, have been classed as essential.

Machinery and other equipment manufacturers, including agricultural and forestry machinery, are also defined as essential.

Farmers should carry ID

According to the guidance issued on Saturday “if you are self-employed, a farmer or agricultural worker, or a member of the clergy, you should carry one form of identification with you at all times”.

If your employer, for example the local co-op, notifies you that you are an essential employee, or that you belong to a category of essential employees, you are permitted to travel to and from work.

When travelling to and from work, the advice is that “you should at all times bring with you either a work identification or a letter from your employer indicating that you are an essential employee, as well as one other form of identification”.

Farming and food production are exempt from new restrictions which came into effect at midnight on Friday.

The new measures are in place from midnight on Friday for a two-week period until Easter Sunday 12 April.

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