Knackery charges are up by €50 a head this year due to Dept. rule moves

THE cost of fallen animal disposal in the Connacht region has risen from €5 to €50 in the different categories this year, following changes introduced by Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney, in relation to the movement of materials from knackeries to rendering plants.

Since December, the knackeries have been forced to use rendering plants not more than 125km. from their base – a move that has increased their costs.

However over the past few months this extra cost on the knackeries has been passed on directly to farmers, and according to the results of an IFA survey released last week, collection charges have increased by up to €50 a head.

The most expensive animals for collection from the knackeries now are those in the 24 to 48 months category where the highest charge in Connacht, according to the IFA survey, is €140.  

IFA Animal Health Chairman, Bert Stewart, said the impact of the Dept. of Agriculture rule changes was now clearly evident, with some farmers in the northern part of the country experiencing increased charges of up to €60 per animal over recent months.

“These survey results prove the application of the anti-competitive 125/km maximum distance by the Department, in order to be eligible for the TSE collection and disposal subsidy for over 48 month old animals, has imposed an unacceptable and unnecessary cost burden on farmers. The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, must immediately remove this measure and return vital competition to the area of fallen animal disposal,” said Mr. Stewart.

He said renderers took advantage of the conditions created by the Dept. of Agriculture and increased rendering charges to knackeries by up to €50/tonne while some knackeries in turn passed a multiple of this price increase back to farmers.

“The entire area of fallen animal collection and disposal lacks real competition and must be reviewed in full by the Minister and a competitively-priced fallen animal collection system provided for all farmers.

“The viability of a direct delivery system must also be assessed as part of the review because the current system in operation for the majority of farmers is not acceptable,” said Bert Stewart.

Based on the survey information, collection rates ranges from €10 to €40 /head for calves; €40 to €95 /head for 6 to 12-month old animals; €40 to €120/head for 1 to 2 year old animals; and €45 to €150 for 2 to 4-year old animals.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.