Press release
Minister advises farmers on interim measures in relation to disposal of fallen animals
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has stated that he is closely monitoring the continuing situation of renderers not accepting fallen animals for rendering.
This situation has arisen following substantial increases to fees charged by renderers to animal collectors for the disposal of non-TSE tested fallen farm stock. This reflects a commercial transaction between the renderers and the animal collectors (category 2 intermediate plants).
Minister McConalogue said:
“My officials are continuing to engage with stakeholders to find a resolution to current issues. This engagement includes recent meetings with the Irish Category One Renderers Association (ICORA). However, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) is not in dispute with either animal collectors or the rendering industry and I am calling on the renderers and collectors to engage proactively with each other to resolve their differences.”
In the absence of a resolution between the two parties, in support of farmers and in recognition of the serious nature of this issue, Minister McConalogue has acted to provide alternative options to farmers.
The Minister said:
“Due to renderers refusing to accept fallen animals from animal collectors, I have ensured that animal collectors can access Category 1 rendering facilities in Northern Ireland. A guidance document outlining the requirements for dispatch to rendering plants in Northern Ireland has been sent to the Animal Collectors Association.
“When a farmer discovers a fallen animal, their first contact point should be their local fallen animal collector. However, in exceptional circumstances, in the event of a farmer not being able to get a collector to remove a dead animal carcase, burial on farm may be considered. This requires a burial license from DAFM and understandably comes with strict environmental conditions. To obtain a license, the herdkeeper must inform the local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) of the department who will provide the information required."
In conclusion the Minister stated:
"I am very aware of the difficulties this situation has caused for farmers and I am doing everything possible to help resolve the situation at the earliest possible opportunity."