A number of TDs have joined calls for buyers to be allowed around marts rings as farmers and mart mangers face four weeks of online only sales.
Under Level 5 restrictions, sales are permitted to continue but only through online platforms. Sellers must drop animals and leave while buyers can arrange viewings but must leave before the sale starts.
Of the 68 marts around the country, 19 are included in areas due to have their service upgraded under the National Broadband Plan
Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Denis Naughten said 40% of marts did not have decent broadband according to figures compiled from a Government website. Of the 68 marts around the country, 19 are included in areas due to have their service upgraded under the National Broadband Plan.
Review
The online-only sale of stock needed to be reviewed in light of the figures particularly with the large number of weanlings and store cattle coming to market, Naughten said.
“Clearly, we need to see flexibility from the Department of Agriculture in terms of buyers having access to sales rings in a socially distanced manner in light of the broadband challenges.”
A submission is also being made to the Department by Naughten’s fellow Independent TD from Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice. He is seeking an easing of restrictions on marts to allow physical buyers around the ring in light of a “chaotic” breakdown in online sales at the weekend.
Resolution
Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for agriculture has called on the Minister to resolve the issue this week.\ Philip Doyle
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for agriculture Matt Carthy called for “an urgent resolution” to the curtailment of mart activity.
“The only aspect of food production activity that is currently operating under severe restriction is the only aspect in which farmers have any semblance of control – in marts,” the Cavan-Monaghan TD said.
A solution needs to be found this week
The restrictions were having on impact on prices that farmers were receiving he said.
“Online solutions can only offer part of the solution – many buyers do not have access to adequate broadband and in fact, some marts themselves do not have the infrastructure to facilitate wholly online sales.
“A solution needs to be found this week that will allow some buyers around mart rings,” Carthy said.
Read more
Government submission to be made following ‘chaotic’ online sale breakdown
‘Blend of physical and online bidding fairest to farmers’ – ICOS
A number of TDs have joined calls for buyers to be allowed around marts rings as farmers and mart mangers face four weeks of online only sales.
Under Level 5 restrictions, sales are permitted to continue but only through online platforms. Sellers must drop animals and leave while buyers can arrange viewings but must leave before the sale starts.
Of the 68 marts around the country, 19 are included in areas due to have their service upgraded under the National Broadband Plan
Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Denis Naughten said 40% of marts did not have decent broadband according to figures compiled from a Government website. Of the 68 marts around the country, 19 are included in areas due to have their service upgraded under the National Broadband Plan.
Review
The online-only sale of stock needed to be reviewed in light of the figures particularly with the large number of weanlings and store cattle coming to market, Naughten said.
“Clearly, we need to see flexibility from the Department of Agriculture in terms of buyers having access to sales rings in a socially distanced manner in light of the broadband challenges.”
A submission is also being made to the Department by Naughten’s fellow Independent TD from Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice. He is seeking an easing of restrictions on marts to allow physical buyers around the ring in light of a “chaotic” breakdown in online sales at the weekend.
Resolution
Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for agriculture has called on the Minister to resolve the issue this week.\ Philip Doyle
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for agriculture Matt Carthy called for “an urgent resolution” to the curtailment of mart activity.
“The only aspect of food production activity that is currently operating under severe restriction is the only aspect in which farmers have any semblance of control – in marts,” the Cavan-Monaghan TD said.
A solution needs to be found this week
The restrictions were having on impact on prices that farmers were receiving he said.
“Online solutions can only offer part of the solution – many buyers do not have access to adequate broadband and in fact, some marts themselves do not have the infrastructure to facilitate wholly online sales.
“A solution needs to be found this week that will allow some buyers around mart rings,” Carthy said.
Read more
Government submission to be made following ‘chaotic’ online sale breakdown
‘Blend of physical and online bidding fairest to farmers’ – ICOS
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