Flexibility Needed on Sample Deadline for Farm Schemes
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the Department of Agriculture must provide flexibilities around the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Beep-s faecal egg testing actions.
He said the deadline dates of September 30th and October 3rd for both schemes, respectively, are proving difficult for farmers as laboratories are under severe pressure because of the high volume of samples.
“There are lengthy delays in getting samples tested across the country and in some cases, labs cannot facilitate farmers who are left with no opportunity to complete the action before the deadline date,” he said.
Tim Cullinan said the DAFM must recognise the complexities and challenges facing farmers and laboratories. Farmers must not be penalised where the deadlines are not met.
“Samples received/tested after these dates must be accepted by the DAFM without affecting eligibility for scheme payments as the overall objective of the measure will have been met.”
