Meat processors, dairy co-ops and the Department of Agriculture are preparing contingency plans to keep the agriculture industry moving in the event of major disruption due to the coronavirus.

An emergency meeting between meat and dairy processors and Department officials on Wednesday morning included discussions on what could happen the movement of people and animals in the event of a large-scale lockdown.

Farmers delivering cattle and sheep to some factories are being told to remain in their vehicle while the animals are unloaded

Dozens of farm events and meetings have been cancelled nationwide as the industry moves to limit the risk of virus spread.

Farmers have been urged by co-ops not to make close contact with farm delivery and collection drivers and some are holding meetings by video link.

Farmers delivering cattle and sheep to some factories are being told to remain in their vehicle while the animals are unloaded, and are not allowed access any factory facility.

Factories are assessing how they can limit close contact between employees on the line and how this will affect workflow

Other meat processors have banned staff from moving between their own plants.

Factories are assessing how they can limit close contact between employees on the line and how this will affect workflow.

The Department has been asked how animal collection and processing will be handled in a lockdown situation

The deployment of veterinary inspectors at meat plants was discussed at the Wednesday meeting. It is understood the Department is assessing its audit and inspection regime.

The Department has been asked how animal collection and processing will be handled in a lockdown situation.

Farmers are eligible for sick pay under new rules to be introduced by the Government next week.