Rural Payments and Services

With some inspections restarting soon, Rural Matters spoke to Agricultural Officer Graham Henderson from the Perth Area Office about staff and farmer safety.

“Health and safety is a core part of how we carry out inspections, even before COVID-19. But, like everyone else, we are following the guidance by maintaining a two metre distance at all times. We avoid touching gates, doors and handles that someone else may touch before or after us, and regularly sanitise our hands and use disposable gloves.

“Farmers in general are very much aware of the dangers of the pandemic. This makes it easier for both parties.”

While some inspections will be restarting soon, some essential legally required inspections have been going on.

“Inspections haven’t changed as much as you might think. We are always mindful not to spread plant and animal diseases. Doing potato tuber inspections we travel on our own in our own vehicle to and between farms.

“Instead of being handed the inspection application directly from the farmer or store manager they are normally left for us in a tray at the store entrance. We will then be pointed to the consignment from a safe distance by the producer. We then carry out the inspection as we would normally do by ourselves.”

Graham spoke about the interaction he has with farmers when carrying out inspections, and how they keep him in the loop of what is going on locally:

“Thankfully the chat with farmers is pretty much the same but just ensuring physical distancing. We still chat about the weather, price of potatoes or cattle and the local gossip like who’s sold their farm or who’s bought a new combine!

“We may also contact the famer in advance and in many instances never have to meet one to one as we can provide feedback by telephone to clarify our findings.”

Inspections such as land, bee and seed cereal certification will be starting soon, Graham explained why:

“The inspections we do are statutory so any that can be done safely whilst social distancing during this pandemic we carry out. The inspections which we are conducting are low risk, such as potato growing crop inspections, land inspections and bee inspections.

“Farming never stops. Crops still have to be planted and livestock cared for regardless. It is important that these inspections continue to maintain the high standards of food safety”. If you have any questions or for more information please contact your local area office.