Farm organisations are the latest group to be asked to appear before the joint Oireachtas committee on agriculture in relation to the new veterinary medicine regulations. The new regulations had been due to come into effect on 1 June, but have now been rescheduled for a September 2025 rollout, to allow further engagement with vets on the new system.

The new National Veterinary Prescribing System has seen a low uptake among vets since its implementation on 1 January 2025. Merchants are calling for an extension to the September rollout until the system is fully functioning for vets, merchants and farmers.

ICSA general secretary Hugh Farrell said: “It’s very frustrating to see farmers, the one group who the new regulations will affect most, being left out of the conversation. Ultimately the farmer is going to have to pay for whatever change is implemented, and the most favourable outcome is for the maximum availability of products from the maximum number of outlets. This allows for real competition in the supply of products to the farmers.”