The co-op sector is deeply concerned by the potential anti-competitive implications of the new veterinary medicines regulation, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) president Jerry Long has said.
The comments came during the first meeting between ICOS and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue.
ICOS has warned that the viability of the licenced merchant network is at risk should the Department interpret the new regulation in a manner that will restrict competition and provide one sector with a captive market.
Long said: “Our members are responsible international food processing businesses that have demonstrated real leadership in the area of antimicrobial resistance. We have made detailed proposals on the new regulation.”
Rainy day fund
On the agenda at the first meeting were the developments in the UK concerning Brexit negotiations.
ICOS highlighted the requirement for the Department to deliver substantial support for the sector under the EU’s €5bn Brexit adjustment fund.
Long continued: “We also urged the Minister to introduce an income volatility tool based on the ICOS ‘5-5-5’ proposal in the forthcoming budget to enable farmers to use periods when market returns are higher to create a modest rainy day fund.”
Extend exemption
Also discussed at the meeting were the challenges facing the livestock marts sector.
ICOS expressed concern that animals unsold at marts and returned will be negatively affected under the Department’s TB herd risk category proposal.
The farm body highlighted the positive impact the 42-day exemption granted during the lockdown and urged the Minister to extend the exemption due to its impact on the calf trade resulting in more robust and stronger calves presented.
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Restriction on journey time in grass-fed standard inhibits free choice – ICOS
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ICOS rejigs dairy committee board
The co-op sector is deeply concerned by the potential anti-competitive implications of the new veterinary medicines regulation, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) president Jerry Long has said.
The comments came during the first meeting between ICOS and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue.
ICOS has warned that the viability of the licenced merchant network is at risk should the Department interpret the new regulation in a manner that will restrict competition and provide one sector with a captive market.
Long said: “Our members are responsible international food processing businesses that have demonstrated real leadership in the area of antimicrobial resistance. We have made detailed proposals on the new regulation.”
Rainy day fund
On the agenda at the first meeting were the developments in the UK concerning Brexit negotiations.
ICOS highlighted the requirement for the Department to deliver substantial support for the sector under the EU’s €5bn Brexit adjustment fund.
Long continued: “We also urged the Minister to introduce an income volatility tool based on the ICOS ‘5-5-5’ proposal in the forthcoming budget to enable farmers to use periods when market returns are higher to create a modest rainy day fund.”
Extend exemption
Also discussed at the meeting were the challenges facing the livestock marts sector.
ICOS expressed concern that animals unsold at marts and returned will be negatively affected under the Department’s TB herd risk category proposal.
The farm body highlighted the positive impact the 42-day exemption granted during the lockdown and urged the Minister to extend the exemption due to its impact on the calf trade resulting in more robust and stronger calves presented.
Read more
Restriction on journey time in grass-fed standard inhibits free choice – ICOS
Farmers urged to mask up at the marts
ICOS rejigs dairy committee board
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