Recent concerns raised surrounding Department inspections on farms has lead for calls to reform the inspection and penalty system.

Speaking at a meeting of Charter of Farmers’ Rights, IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said: “The Department of Agriculture must introduce proper and effective procedures to deal with farmers’ complaints in relation to problem inspections.”

He emphasised that it was vitally important that a relatively small number of cases where farmers were being unfairly treated should not undermine the integrity of the Farmers’ Charter and the inspection regime.

He added that there was also a need for a confidential complaints procedure so farmers could raise concerns without fear of intimidation.

He was of the view that a more effective and farmer friendly close out approach should be examined by the Minister and Department. Such an approach would give farmers an opportunity to rectify any non-compliances without incurring a penalty.

He said it was a basic right afforded across society and direct payment schemes operated by the Department of Agriculture should be no different.