ICMSA lambasts communication of TB testing changes to farmers
The ICMSA has warned that any hiccups brought about by new TB testing rules can not be blamed on farmers, due to the short window they have to get compliant.
The ICMSA wants TB targets put on the Department, vets and cattle dealers. / Philip Doyle
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The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has placed the full responsibility for reducing TB levels on the shoulders of Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon as farmers were this week informed that new TB rules will come into force on 13 April. The association has been critical of an “unacceptably short” window from the letters outlining the changes to farmers issuing and these changes taking effect.
Accountability
“This is no longer just a policy issue – it is a question of accountability,” Eamon Carroll, ICMSA deputy president, said.
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“If confusion, disruption, and financial loss follow from poorly communicated rules, then the Minister cannot deflect blame onto officials or the complexity of the system,” he said.
The ICMSA has repeatedly criticised the revamp of the TB programme for focusing on farmer actions and herd testing rules as it called for “clear communication” on the expectations that would be made of vets, cattle dealers, controlled finishing units and the Department of Agriculture itself.
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The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has placed the full responsibility for reducing TB levels on the shoulders of Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon as farmers were this week informed that new TB rules will come into force on 13 April. The association has been critical of an “unacceptably short” window from the letters outlining the changes to farmers issuing and these changes taking effect.
Accountability
“This is no longer just a policy issue – it is a question of accountability,” Eamon Carroll, ICMSA deputy president, said.
“If confusion, disruption, and financial loss follow from poorly communicated rules, then the Minister cannot deflect blame onto officials or the complexity of the system,” he said.
The ICMSA has repeatedly criticised the revamp of the TB programme for focusing on farmer actions and herd testing rules as it called for “clear communication” on the expectations that would be made of vets, cattle dealers, controlled finishing units and the Department of Agriculture itself.
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