IFA Meet Agricultural Appeals Office on Range of Issues

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has met senior officials from the Agricultural Appeals Office to discuss a range of issues.

“We had a very open, positive and constructive meeting this week and committed to keeping our lines of communication open, particularly as the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel kicks into operation, likely in early 2025, after the new Government is formed.”

‘We emphasised the importance of swift implementation of the Independent Agricultural Appeals panel, and the need for solid, practical farmer representation given the growing complexity of individual schemes, and also for its remit to be expanded significantly,” she said.

“The number of appeals landing on their desk is probably lower than expected. It may well be that farmers are holding off until the new Independent Appeals Panel is in place, but the key message we got was to get your appeals in sooner rather than later. Don’t wait and miss your opportunity,” Alice Doyle said.

“Apart from complex cases, they are turning around cases within four months, and in 35%-40% of cases, concluding on the side of the farmer. You have nothing to lose by putting in an appeal, and you can do it online now as well as in paper format if you wish,” she said.   

“We raised many of our key concerns, particularly the complexity of schemes, including the role of third parties; ACRES; TAMS; and those outside the mix of the Shannon Callows Fodder Compensation scheme,” Alice Doyle concluded.