Inspections process

Richard Kennedy has demanded an urgent review of the inspection and appeals procedures within the Department of Agriculture. At a meeting on the Farmers’ Charter last week, the IFA sought a plan of action by the Department to bring about real change so that farmers are treated fairly.

Cattle prices

Following a meeting of the Beef Forum last week, livestock chair Angus Woods said the clear message is that beef markets are in a strong position and there is no basis for any pressure on cattle prices. Market demand and export market prices are strong and due to live exports and lower weights, numbers will be a lot less than forecast.

Flood funding

Flooding project chair Padraic Joyce has welcomed the new criteria issued by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for determining support for projects under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme. The IFA raised this issue some time ago and had presented detailed proposals as farmers and farmland had previously been discriminated against.