A dedicated plan B document has been devised by the IFA to help farmers put together essential information someone else would need to know if they had to step in to run the farm.

The document aims to help farmers who may contract COVID-19 or who have to self-isolate.

Launching the document, IFA president Tim Cullinan said: “The biggest asset on any farm is the farmer. If they fall ill, family helpers or those working closely with them may also have to self-isolate and may not be available to step in.

“[The] IFA’s key focus since this virus began was to try [to] keep farmers and the farming sector operating within the restrictions and guidelines set out by the Government and the HSE.

“This is very challenging, but farmers need to think of themselves and their business too. Without farmers, we have no sector.”

Information

The document is available to download here. The IFA has also collated key information for farmers on Government unemployment and illness schemes, health and safety, banking and taxation, issues posed by restrictions, and farms with employees.

Cullinan reiterated that farmers should undertake all precautions set down by the public health authorities.

“While most farmers who contract the virus will only suffer a mild illness, some will fall ill and will not be able to continue to run the farm or they might have self-isolate,” he said.

Any farmer who needs help with deliveries or because they are unwell should contact their local IFA office, Cullinan said.

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