CHALLENGING

AN ORDER TO CLOSE THE MARTS HAS CAUSED UNCERTAINTY AT A BUSY TIME FOR FARMERS

WHEN the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of marts as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, the decision plunged the farming community into a crisis.

Marts were closed immediately from Tuesday, March 24 and were due to remain shut until April 19 in a move that would have a significant impact on farmers, particularly in the busy Spring.

Initial hopes for alternative trading arrangements appeared to have been dashed by the announcement of further Covid-19 measures on Friday. However, guidelines to allow for a limited re-opening of marts to facilitate the trade and movement of livestock were announced yesterday (Tuesday).

David Quinn of Quinn Auctioneers said strict protocols had been put in place at the Carnew Mart to limit the number of people at the sales in line with national guidelines. Trade had been brisk on Saturday, March 21 with 1,030 head of cattle up for sale on the day.

‘Sellers were not allowed in the main area. Some went home and others were happy to wait in the yard. We also provided buyers with gloves and masks. It was working well. I thought with these protocols in place, we would have been able to continue to operate to allow for livestock trading. I think some marts didn’t take it seriously and they were all closed because of this.’

After last Tuesday’s announcement, many farmers contacted his offices to express their concerns.

‘ The phones were hopping with people after the announcement was made. Buyers are also looking for cattle to go out to grass. There are a lot of challenges here but we’re hoping we can continue to provide a service.’

While their offices are closed, Mr Quinn said ‘we are available over the phone to support our customers where we can.’

The phones in the offices of JPM Doyle, which owns and runs the Blessington Mart, were also busy after the Taoiseach’s announcement.

‘A sale had been due to take place on Thursday, but it didn’t go ahead. The place is closed up completely,’ John Doyle said, speaking to this paper on Friday last.

‘I would hope that marts will re-open but I don’t know if it will happen in the short term,’ he added.

Under the terms of the new arrangements, each mart will be required to prepare an operating protocol which much be approved by the Department of Agriculture. The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) suggests marts use their databases to match sellers with potential buyers according to the type, weight and breed of animals for sale, and where possible agree a price per kilo prior to a sale being finalised.

A delivery time to the mart would then also be agreed, including weighing into the animal identification and movement system and the use of drop boxes for all relevant documentation.

Only mart staff would handle the animal with the buyer and seller having no contact with each other. No visitors or members of the public would be permitted at the mart during the sale with only mart staff handling the animals.

The last time marts ground to a halt was in 2001 as the threat of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease loomed. Coillte forests were closed, animal movement was restricted and major sporting and cultural events were cancelled.

Mr Quinn says that while concerns about Foot and Mouth led to the closure of marts in 2001, the Covid-19 situation is different.

‘It was very disruptive for the country, but people could still assemble and go about their daily business. Farmers need a way to move livestock when marts are not active. Without them, prices start to fall. Factories can develop a monopoly which also depresses prices.

‘Farm to farm sales are not easy, especially for farmers who only have a small number of animals to sell. They are at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving a fair market price because some buyers may not be willing to travel to view a small number of animals. This problem doesn’t occur at mart sales.’

Tullow Mart in Co. Carlow issued a statement where it indicated an intention to continue to support farmers and the food chain where possible.

‘ Tullow Mart recognises its role in the