Clarificaton from Department on Inspections in Flood Affected Areas

The Department of Agriculture has assured the IFA that inspection staff are fully cognisant of the effects that the current weather conditions can have on farms and they have been reminded of the approach to take in these difficult circumstances.

The Department has confirmed that non-compliances directly attributable to the severe weather conditions and outside the control of the applicant will not constitute a sanctionable breach.

The Department has clarified that inspections will continue to take place in flood affected areas as a requirement exists to initiate all of the full cross compliance inspections within the calendar year in view of the associated audit risk.

However, the Department has assured the IFA that members can be assured that inspecting officers will act in a sensitive manner when conducting inspections.