A whole sector commitment is required

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) welcomes today’s launch of the Bovine Tuberculosis Action Plan by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.

Bovine TB is a scourge on Irish farming that brings financial loss, emotional strain, and constant uncertainty to farm families. Beyond the impact on cattle health, it undermines livelihoods, disrupts trade and places a heavy burden on the entire agri-food sector.

Ray Doyle of ICOS said:

ICOS engaged extensively in the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum with a particular emphasis that the plan should protect farmer livelihoods with a balanced, science-based and overall collaborative approach to tackling the issue.

ICOS values the emphasis on data transparency, improved farmer supports, and new marketing outlets for restricted herds, which can help alleviate some of the stress and financial strain of outbreaks. At the same time, we believe that successful implementation will depend on striking the right balance between effective disease control and maintaining fair, workable conditions for farm families.

Measures to expand the sale of cull cows at special mart sales will help to alleviate one of the most immediate challenges that farmers face when their herd is restricted due to TB –  the ability to sell cull cows at a fair price. This should help to reduce the personal and financial stress felt by farmers where cull cows represent a significant proportion of sales during a TB breakdown. It will also prioritise animal health with a range of continuing restrictions in place.

We will need further clarity from the Minister on mart sales and movements through marts over the next few weeks.

We welcome an action plan that brings clarity, science-based policies and support for the farming community. Success will depend on collaboration and a whole-of-sector effort so that disease control can be successful without unduly penalising farmers or disrupting trade.

ICOS members will continue to promote initiatives to ensure effective disease control to the maximum possible effect.