Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said he was hoping for a “reasonable accommodation” on new medicine regulations requiring farmers to have a prescription to buy wormers from 1 January 2022.

Speaking during the IFA Sligo AGM on Monday night, Aurivo chair Raymond Barlow told the minister that the change meant farmers could see prices for these medicines “rise quite significantly if the co-ops can’t sell or prescribe these medicines.”

I’m determined to find some way that protects the competition and availability in terms of competitive supply to farmers

The minister acknowledged it had been an issue for suppliers and licensed merchants as well, in terms of the impact on their business, and that farmers were also concerned about being able to access medicines and the potential rise in costs.

“It’s something I’ve engaged with a lot of people about and while there are EU regulations by 1 January next year, I’m determined to find some way that protects the competition and availability in terms of competitive supply to farmers, while ensuring that we are compliant with the regulation as well,” Minister McConalogue said.