Farmers are at their “wit’s end” when dealing with the Department of Agriculture. That’s according to Sean McNamara, the ICSA president.
Mr McNamara was speaking as more and more farmers have been contacting his association, saying his colleagues are fearful of speaking up, believing they are facing disproportionate responses from the Department on matters such as funding or penalties.
The ICSA have been successful in campaigning for measures to be implemented, with an independent helpline for farmers dealing with TB breakdowns to be introduced soon.
Now, they are calling for an independent liaison officer to be introduced, to act as a mediator between farmers and the Department.
Mr McNamara spoke to Midwest Radio’s Rowan Kelly about what his organisation is calling for, and the desperate situation some farmers are finding themselves in, with regards to funding and fines…
