IFA president Tim Cullinan has said it is disappointing that marts have to close and is another challenge to the trade.

He was reacting to the news that marts will have to shut under new restrictions announced by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to limit the spread of COVID-19.

However, he emphasised that alternative safe arrangements can be put in place. This would allow cattle to continue to move and trade at this important time of the year for the sector.

“There are no restrictions on the movement of livestock.

“We have been in contact with the ICOS marts committee. We are strongly of the view that our existing livestock mart network can provide the mechanism to facilitate the continuation of trade between farmers, while also adhering to the increased restrictions,” he said.

Payment

Marts have weighing facilities and a system that provides security of payment, the IFA said. They also have a long track record of security of payment which underpins the bond of trust between buyers and sellers.

“Farmers should be very careful about entering into any arrangements where payment may not be secured,” he said.

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Mart closures ‘another challenge to the trade’ – Cullinan

Marts can provide the mechanism to facilitate the continuation of trade between farmers, while also adhering to the increased restrictions, IFA president Tim Cullinan has said.