Proposed Eu Veterinary Medicine Proposals Must Not Impact Negatively on Irish Farmers – IFA

IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell said IFA has continually and consistently outlined concerns that must be addressed in the new EU Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations to the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, Irish MEPs and senior Department of Agriculture officials.

He said discussions on these regulations have commenced the trilogue stage and it is vital that the interests of Irish farmers are strongly represented in these discussions. This trilogue process involves the EU Commission, Parliament and Council agreeing a final text for the regulation.

These regulations have the potential to impact negatively on Irish farmers and their ability to ensure the health and welfare of their animals in a practical and cost-efficient way by increasing bureaucracy and limiting availability of products.

In the context of appropriately addressing the AMR concerns, Pat Farrell said the emphasis must be on competitive prices for key animal medicines such as vaccines and doses. Limiting access to these types of products is counterproductive to reducing the use of antibiotics.

Pat Farrell said it is incumbent on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and our MEPs to recognise the professionalism of farmers and their role in protecting the health and welfare of their animals in the regulations. They cannot be hindered by increased costs and bureaucracy.

Pat Farrell said veterinary medicinal products are an expensive and vital annual input for farmers in protecting and maintaining the health and welfare of their animals. He said it is of critical importance that access remains in a competitive market with minimal bureaucracy.

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