Irish animal collectors to decide next steps in fallen animal scheme dispute

The Animal Collectors' Association (ACA), which represents knackery operators that collect fallen farm animals in Ireland, is holding an emergency meeting for all its members on 12 November. The dispute with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) over a new Fallen Animal Scheme is continuing. The previous scheme expired in September, and talks have so far produced no agreement.

An ACA spokesperson told Agriland that the meeting will determine the next course of action, as the association says the department has offered no credible proposal and no meaningful engagement.

Reduced services

Since 19 October, fallen sheep collected by ACA-affiliated operators have not been prepared and presented to DAFM vets for sampling for scrapie, a disease affecting sheep. Two weeks ago, the ACA confirmed that services had been cut further: knackeries no longer collect fallen sheep and horses. In addition, they are not notifying the department of on-farm animal deaths.

The association has previously said it remains fully committed to providing a vital environmental and biosecurity service, but that operators cannot keep absorbing rising costs without a reasonable subvention framework.

The department's proposal

It is understood that DAFM has proposed raising both the maximum fee paid by farmers and the department's own contribution to collectors for cattle older than 48 months. The maximum collection fee for such an animal would rise from €54.03 to €69.50, an increase of 29%. The department's payment to knackeries would increase from €47.50 to €62 per head, or 30.5%.

A DAFM spokesperson said negotiations are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment on specifics. The department says it remains open to constructive dialogue.

Farm organisations

John Barron, animal health and welfare chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA), previously urged the government to provide extra funding so that costs are not passed on to farmers. The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) has also said any solution should not involve higher charges for farmers.