More SCEP training events needed for farmers - Mayo IFA

THE Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, must provide more training events for farmers in SCEP, says Mayo IFA livestock representative TJ Duffy.

Only five dates across the country were announced, all of which are took place last week.

The McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris was the only one in the west.

Mr. Duffy said there must be more events provided within easy access for all suckler farmers who are in SCEP and the time of the events must be pushed to the afternoon or evening to make it easier for farmers to attend.

Suckler farmers in SCEP must have the training requirement of the scheme completed by November 15 to remain in the scheme.

He said large numbers of suckler farmers have raised valid concerns regarding the locations and associated travel times and timing of the meetings

Mr. Duffy has called on the minister to announce further dates and venues to ensure farmers have adequate time to arrange to attend these important events to remain compliant with the scheme requirements.

He said: “In organising the additional venues, the minister must be cognisant of the areas where the greatest needs are and all farmers must be provided with a number of options within close proximity to their location.”

He said it is not acceptable for the minister or his officials to expect farmers to undertake long journeys to attend events, as is currently the situation, with only five venues.

“There must be a number of venues available to farmers in all counties and the dates and locations of these must be announced immediately to allow farmers make arrangements to attend and avoid the stress of potentially undertaking long and unnecessary journeys,” he said.

SCEP payments are vital for suckler farmers, he added, and it is important the minister ensures there are no obstacles put in the way of farmers in meeting the scheme requirements.