A Sligo/Leitrim TD says the future is ‘extremely grim’ for some marts and for farmers who are selling stock during the current Covid restrictions, and especially in areas of poor broadband coverage.
Independent Deputy Marian Harkin says she has written to the Minister for Agriculture and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and leader of the Green Party outlining, what she says is, the hugely significant challenges that will be faced by buyers, sellers and the marts.
She also says some farmers are not at ease with the technology needed to participate in online sales.
She added that this all happening at the busiest time of the year for many marts, when the weanling trade is swinging into action with calves being sold onto finishers from outside the region.
