A number of new measures come into effect on Monday 8 June as the country exits coronavirus lockdown.

Since the beginning of lockdown in March, farmers have been identified as an essential service and have been allowed to carry out essential farm work.

However, there are a number of changes that come into effect from Monday which farmers need to know about.

Marts

Farmers are now allowed around the ring in the majority of marts from Monday, as long as strict social distancing of 2m can be applied.

Marts affiliated with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) will all allow farmers around mart rings from Monday.

Farmers will be recorded entering and exiting marts to ensure numbers are maintained at safe levels.

The Irish Farmers Journal will be reporting on Monday from Birr Mart, Castlerea Mart and Tuam Mart as to how the sales go in the new environment.

Co-ops and merchants

Many co-ops and merchants were already open, as they were deemed as essential at the beginning of lockdown.

While many were operating a click-and-collect system and online ordering, co-ops and merchants which were not already open can now reopen, while operating strict social distancing measures.

Farmers should check in with their local co-op or merchant as to whether they are open or if they are staying as click and collect.

Machinery dealers

In March, machinery dealerships selling and servicing machines could only operate in certain circumstances and machinery manufacturers were counted as an essential service and could continue to operate as they were.

Now, all machinery dealers that weren’t open up to now can reopen as long, as they practice social distancing and have measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Vets

As with other essential services, vets have remained operational. The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has had a number of protocols in place to eliminate contact between vets and farmer clients.

This included carrying out a risk assessment before attending a farm and practicing social distancing when on the farm. If a job can be done alone by the vet, the vet should be left alone to do it.

Movement

From Monday, farmers and rural dwellers can travel anywhere within their own county or 20km from their area, in addition to travelling for any essential farm work.

Gardaí will still be enforcing the rules in terms of movement to ensure the virus is contained, with the message from Government to “stay local”.

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