Farmers will be able to apply for TB compensation online from the end of this week onwards.
From September 30th, 2021, farmers will have the option to complete their application for TB compensation under the On-Farm Market Valuation scheme online via the DAFM’s website.
The new TB compensation portal will also allow farmers to accept or reject the valuation of their animals that an independent valuer carries out on-farm.
The DAFM is introducing the measure to reducing the amount of time TB reactors spend on-farm. It believes it will expedite the response time from farmers to DAFM and eliminate the cost to farmers of forwarding forms by post.
Farmers will continue to receive the valuation of their animals by hard copy from their valuer and can then log on to agfood.ie to accept or reject that valuation.
Minister McConalogue said: “This new online TB compensation portal is further evidence of my department’s commitment to maximising the benefits of technology to simplify life for farmers.”
“In addition, this new facility should also help in managing the risk of disease spread by reducing the amount of time a reactor is on-farm, something that farmers have always stressed is a priority for them.”
“Farmers have proven that they are willing to embrace the advantages of online communication. DAFM intends to continue to develop our online facilities to meet that willingness”.
The minister said that while the new facility is “very intuitive and easy to use”, farmers can access a user manual via the TB Compensation section of the DAFM’s website.
Farmers not already registered, can do so by logging onto www.Agfood.ie and clicking the register button.
New TB rules
Earlier this year the DAFM introduced new rules for TB-restricted farmers.
The DAFM also has a new approach to inconclusive reactor animals in Ireland.
