Marts may facilitate the sale of livestock “under specific guidelines”, according to the Mart Managers of Ireland (MMI).
The organisation, which has been in discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine over the last number of days in relation to the blanket closure of marts throughout Ireland, said an agreement was reached last night (Monday, March 30th).
In a statement, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “As you were aware, mart managers throughout the country have been inundated with phone calls from distressed farmers trying to find ways to sell their stock. “
“We have managed to reach an agreement with the Department of Agriculture which will allow for movement of stock while also protecting and preventing the spread of the virus through marts and a vulnerable age category of people.”
“All farmers who are in urgent need of selling livestock are advised to contact their local marts over the coming days to make arrangements to do so.” the spokesperson added.
Further details about the measures can be found here and here.
