Harkin welcomes limited re-opening of livestock marts

LAST week, when speaking in Dail Eireann, I asked the Minister to look at possible mechanisms to allow trade to restart in the livestock marts and I am pleased and relieved to see new measures being put in place to facilitate the limited re-opening and operation of livestock marts.

This was stated by Independent TD, Marian Harkin following the announcement from Minister Creed that will allow the sale and purchase of animals through the livestock marts in order to support the essential business of farming.

“Last Thursday when speaking in the Dail, I stated that our response has been insufficient for the agricultural sector and that the beef and sheep trade has sustained an incredible shock. I asked the Minister to investigate possible measures to restart the livestock mart trade e.g. through reduced numbers or people linking in remotely.

“There is a sense of relief among the farming community right now that livestock mart management have been issued with guidance to allow them to reopen the livestock marts on a limited basis.

“While normal auction activity cannot resume for now, livestock mart managers may be able to use their systems and facilities to put in place alternative trade facilitation mechanisms, provided of course they comply with HSE guidelines on social distancing etc.

“This could involve sales where, by appointment, farmers could deliver calves to the livestock mart and orders for purchase could be matched. It could also mean that a weighing service could be put in place for older livestock by appointment and sales and purchase transactions could be facilitated by the livestock mart.

“This limited reopening of livestock marts services is an essential step in maintaining the food supply chain and it will help to relieve some of the pressure on farmers”, Marian Harkin concluded.