Coronavirus: co-ops, marts and factory plans detailed

“Meat Industry Ireland has already met with the Department of Agriculture to discuss contingency arrangements in the event of the spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact on processing sites,” Joe Ryan of MII said.

It is important to highlight that meat processing establishments already operate stringent protocols on staff hygiene and site biosecurity

“We have highlighted the priority of maintaining processing operations, albeit while fully complying with the relevant guidelines from the HSE in terms of public health. It is important to highlight that meat processing establishments already operate stringent protocols on staff hygiene and site biosecurity. These are being further reinforced in the current climate.”

“With milk production in Ireland moving into its peak months very soon, the key issue for the dairy industry is to keep milk processing facilities open,” Conor Mulvihill of Dairy Industry Ireland said.

“The dairy sector is a critical part of the rural Irish economy and the industry has put in place detailed protocols to ensure milk continues to be processed through any escalation in the coronavirus outbreak in Ireland.

The dairy industry is very aware of the threat posed by the coronavirus

“Milk is a perishable product and I want to allay any fears that farmers may have over their milk being collected in the coming weeks. The dairy industry is very aware of the threat posed by the coronavirus but I’m really pleased at how advanced preparations are at every co-op at this stage.”

With more than 10,000 people attending 80-plus marts every week, any Government-ordered shutdown would have a serious effect on agricultural trade.

ICOS livestock executive Ray Doyle said it is implementing and publicising the HSE guidelines for handwashing and avoiding the spread of the virus.

No mart sales or other events have been cancelled and all marts will continue as planned, unless the advice from the HSE, Department of Agriculture or Government changes.

Let’s all hope the marts aren’t restricted as almost 20 years ago, during foot and mouth

“Marts are vital to all farmers but especially so at this time of year when farmers need to market animals after the winter and farmers need to buy stock for grass and indeed compliance with ANC rules,” ICOS marts executive Ray Doyle said.

“Let’s all hope the marts aren’t restricted as almost 20 years ago, during foot and mouth, the value of livestock jumped 20% when marts reopened as their true values couldn’t be realised when the marts were closed.”