THE ULSTER Farmers’ Union said yesterday it had met and advised farmers on their legal bid to force the Stormont Executive to fully compensate them after the recent dioxin contamination scare, but was not itself actively involved in the legal proceedings.
Five farmers are seeking a judicial review of the Executive’s decision to only pay for the slaughter and removal of the cattle. The decision means that the farmers will not be compensated for loss of earnings or for the economic value of their cattle.
At present, the farmers’ ability to sell their products is restricted by the Food Standards Agency because of concerns that any contamination may spread.
The case came before the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday and was adjourned until next week.
The farmers’ barrister, Martin McDonnell, told the High Court of the farmers’ “dire circumstances”, and said this crisis could constitute the “end of the line” for them, as the cattle represented their only means of earning a living.
Eight herds in the North were affected by worries over contaminated feed which spread from pork to beef.
The farmers involved have been told by the North’s Department of Agriculture that they can seek compensation from the Irish Government, given that the problem originated in an animal feed plant in Co Carlow.