Proposed TB measures would be 'very tough' on farmers - IFA

The bovine TB action plan launched on Tuesday by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon contains some positive aspects, but also some measures which would be very tough for the farmers whose herds fail a TB test, Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman has said.

“While we fully understand that there needs to be a new programme, it would have been better to have agreement with farmers,” he said.

“I would acknowledge that the Minister and the Department took on board a lot of the concerns raised by [the] IFA and others. However, this document was not agreed with the IFA,” he said.

The IFA president said that the support schemes in the TB programme will have to be reviewed to ensure fitness for purpose before any additional controls or restrictions can be imposed on farmers.

This, he said, must start by immediately removing the outdated arbitrary ceilings of €3,000 and €5,000 applied by the Department to the on farm market valuation scheme.

“These limits are unfair and with the welcome rise in the value of stock, more and more animals are exceeding the limits which leaves farmers out of pocket at what is a terrible time on their farm,” he said.

Wildlife

On the positive side, the programme contains significant enhancements to the wildlife control programme which is vital if TB levels are to be brought under control.

However, Gorman said there are also a number of measures in the action plan that will impact directly on farmers and in how they farm in the event of a TB outbreak.

These include identifying breeding females 18 months and older at the point of sale that have been part of what the Department has deemed to be a high-risk breakdown.

In addition, the Minister’s decision to extend the restriction period for cows in herds of over 80 cows where over 5% of animals in the group test positive for TB will be very difficult for the farmers involved.

These measures will further compound the losses on farms and must be fully costed and compensated for, he said.

Live valuation ceilings

IFA animal health chair TJ Maher said his association raised the issue of the live valuation ceilings directly with the Minister in all discussions on TB and it is unacceptable that he did not announce the removal of this "unfair outdated blunt instrument".

“Removing the outdated ceilings that have failed to keep pace with the value of animals in the marketplace in the live valuation scheme is the first step and it must happen immediately,” he said.

Maher added the TB action plan will not be worth the paper it is written on if the Minister does not address the shortcomings in administering the scheme by his officials on the ground.

He said farmers need an effective TB programme, administered efficiently and consistently throughout the country.

“Commitments made in the wildlife programme require additional staff on the ground to implement them. The process of providing these must start immediately,” he said.

He added that the Minister and his officials should remember farmers are the single largest contributor, at €150m annually, to the cost of the TB programme.

“There is no TB programme without farmers. They must be at the core of the next steps as the Minister’s plans are fleshed out and assessed for fitness of purpose,” he concluded.

ICOS

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) welcomed the launch of the TB plan.

ICOS engaged extensively in the bovine TB stakeholder forum with a particular emphasis that the plan should protect farmer livelihoods with a balanced, science-based and overall collaborative approach to tackling the issue.

ICOS highlighted the emphasis within the plan on data transparency, improved farmer supports and new marketing outlets for restricted herds, which can help alleviate some of the stress and financial strain of outbreaks.

"At the same time, we believe that successful implementation will depend on striking the right balance between effective disease control and maintaining fair, workable conditions for farm families," an ICOS spokesperson said.

Cull cows

Measures to expand the sale of cull cows at special mart sales will help to alleviate one of the most immediate challenges that farmers face when their herd is restricted due to TB - the ability to sell cull cows at a fair price.

This, ICOS said, should help to reduce the personal and financial stress felt by farmers where cull cows represent a significant proportion of sales during a TB breakdown. It will also prioritise animal health with a range of continuing restrictions in place.

"We welcome an action plan that brings clarity, science-based policies and support for the farming community. Success will depend on collaboration and a whole-of-sector effort so that disease control can be successful without unduly penalising farmers or disrupting trade.

"ICOS members will continue to promote initiatives to ensure effective disease control to the maximum possible effect."