IFA to Bring Key Issues to Charter Negotiations with Department Next Week

IFA Deputy President Tim O’Leary said the negotiations on a new Charter of Rights for farmers have commenced with the Department of Agriculture in Portlaoise.

 

Tim O’Leary said, “IFA have a strong agenda of issues that must be addressed for farmers. The fear and stress on farm families over inspections is unacceptable and must be dealt with in the new Charter. Farmers must be treated with respect and fair play across all inspections and schemes”.

 

The IFA Deputy President said some of the key issues for IFA in the new Charter will be:

 

• Realistic notice for all farm inspections;
• A reduction in the number of inspections and no duplication;
• A yellow-card system and proper tolerances for minor infringements before any penalties are applied;
• The elimination of unnecessary red tape;
• Delivery of all payments on time and within deadlines set down;
• Addressing the unacceptable behaviour of the SIU.

 

Tim O’Leary said IFA is determined to secure a new Charter that is fit for purpose and serves farmers well in a practical and real way over the next number of years.