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IFA president Tim Cullinan has appealed to the farming community to be extra vigilant in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
He said the country found itself in a very fragile situation, with public health officials expressing serious concern about the level of community transmissions.
“I am asking everybody to limit their contacts and to do everything possible to reduce the threat of infection,” Cullinan said.
“I would encourage all farmers to review their protocols for interacting with their service providers and to strengthen the controls if necessary.
“The entire sector was very successful last March in delivering a steady supply of food for supermarket shelves and we want to keep that going during this Level 5 period.”
Plan B
Cullinan reminded farmers that the IFA has developed a document to assist them in the event of contracting COVID-19 and somebody having to take over the running of the farm at short notice.
The ‘Plan B’ document can be accessed on the IFA website .
He alerted farmers to an FBD initiative, supported by the IFA and Farm Relief Service, to financially assist farm customers affected by a COVID-19 diagnosis.
If a farmer is unable to work, an FRS voucher of €500 will be provided to assist in keeping farms operational.
Finally, Cullinan asked IFA members to keep in touch with neighbours who may need assistance in the coming weeks.
“A quick phone call to check if anything is needed could be very important, and would be well received,” he said.
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