Kilkenny farmers urged to be extra vigilant of virus and to keep up food production
Kilkenny farmers and are being urged to be extra vigilant in curbing the spread of Covid-19.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) issued the warning as the organisation stressed the vital importancof maintaining food production of food for the domestic market throughout the crisis.
IFA President Tim Cullinan appealed directly to farmers to review their interactions and how they do business and make sure they avoid contracting Covid-19.
“The country finds itself in a very fragile situation, with public health officials expressing serious concern about the level of community transmission,” Mr Cullinane said.
“I am asking everybody to limit their contacts and to do everything possible to reduce the threat of infection. I would encourage all farmers to review their protocols for interacting with their service providers and to strengthen the controls if necessary. The entire sector was very successful last March in delivering a steady supply of food for supermarket shelves and we want to keep that going during this Level 5 period,” Mr Cullinane added.
He reminded farmers the IFA has developed a ‘Plan B’ document in the event a member contracts Covid-19, in which case someone else will take over the running of the farm at short notice.
Mr Cullinane also urged the farming community to keep in touch with neighbours who may need assistance in the coming weeks.
“A quick phone call to check if anything is needed could be very important, and would be well received,” he added.
