Auctioneers Call on DARD to Keep Staff in Plants

UK - The Ulster Farmers’ Union, NI Meat Exporters Association, and the NI Livestock Auctioneers Association, today called on the Department of Agriculture to suspend its plans to remove DARD staff from livestock markets and meat plants. DARD have announced plans to remove their staff from livestock markets at the end of this month.
calendar icon 22 October 2007
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“The industry holds the view that DARD should only discuss the withdrawal of its staff from these duties if and when electronic identification of livestock is introduced”

UFU President Kenneth Sharkey

UFU President Kenneth Sharkey said; “Farmers, auctioneers and meat processors have been discussing this issue with DARD and we hold the view that the removal of DARD staff from marts and meatplants should not be considered until the industry has successfully adopted Electronic Identification of livestock. To do so before this will cause major disruption in the industry and DARD must take the industry’s views on board”.

Shaun Irvine, Chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association said; “Livestock markets are not prepared to be left with the responsibility for handling the administration and movement records for animals entering and leaving marts, using the current system”.

Phelim O’Neill, NI Meat Exporters Association Chief Executive said; “The industry holds the view that DARD should only discuss the withdrawal of its staff from these duties if and when electronic identification of livestock is introduced”.

Kenneth Sharkey added; “This is a very important issue and DARD should not wash their hands of this key responsibility. We need an efficient, smooth running livestock industry. In the wake of the Red Meat Taskforce Report, the last thing we need is DARD creating major logistical problems for the industry against our wishes”.

The UFU, NIMEA, and Livestock Auctioneers have asked today for a meeting with the Agriculture Minister and DARD’s Chief Vet to progress the issue.

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