Under pressure

Farmers and agricultural contractors have struggled during this difficult summer to bring food to our table and to the export market. From ridiculously high fuel prices (despite the fuel subsidy) and extraordinary weather conditions, it feels like it has been one thing after another.
For most of us, as we do our weekly shop, we don’t really have a clear and full understanding of the pressures that weigh heavily on both farmers and agricultural contractors. These include financial uncertainty, extreme weather conditions, shortage of labour, long working days, regulatory burdens and red tape, not to mention farmers worrying about getting a fair price for their produce and agricultural contractors, who invest heavily in machinery and technology, getting a sustainable price for their services. When you look at the hours worked against income earned, farmers and contractors must be among the lowest paid workers in Ireland and that doesn’t allow for the free the work done by family members. All of the above can take an immense toll leading to stress and mental health concerns. Each of these issues must be addressed, particularly the gate price for farmers. Get that sorted and you go a long way towards dealing with the other issues.
I can see no plans to address this problem, however.

Unbalanced

I find it problematic that profitability within the food chain is balanced in favour of the supermarkets and manufacturers, which is simply wrong. It beggars belief that when the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides a direct subsidy to farmers, that supermarkets and manufacturers actually reap the biggest benefit. Lobbying for an increase in CAP payments won’t work as these have been reduced by approximately 40 per cent from 2000 to 2026. I believe it’s time for the EU and member governments to act, but I won’t be holding my breath. The might of all the European farming organisations need to show Brussels that we are being ripped off and action is needed now.

Repayment arrears

The PAC Ireland members’ helpline has been busy helping to sort out the various problems facing our members. One area is the problem of payment arrears on machinery where negotiations can be a nightmare if not conducted properly. However, most repayment problems can be successfully resolved. The key to success is to take early action, be honest and upfront, and when an agreement is reached don’t renege on it. PAC works closely and confidentially with members in their dealings with financial institutions which is appreciated by all involved.

Medication and driving

Another concern for farmers and contractors, is the risk of driving and working while under the effects of medication, whether prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter. Medication can affect individuals differently and if you take more than one medication, side effects may increase. Therefore, it is very important to read the information leaflet that comes with your medication and always ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects. It is an offence to drive while affected by medication that may reduce your ability to drive safely and carry out other work safely. The Road Safety Authority provides a list of medications that could affect driving ability:

• Sleeping tablets;
• Some anti-depressants;
• Some pain killers;
• Some allergy or hay fever medication;
• Sedatives, tranquilisers, or other medicines for anxiety;
• Many cough and cold remedies (can cause drowsiness or poor coordination); and
• Some medicines for high blood pressure and heart conditions.

If you have employees, inform them about your safety policies, including the hazards of driving or carrying out other work while impaired by prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Ensure your company safety statement or driving-for-work policy addresses medication side effects like drowsiness or slowed reaction times.