Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman has said that there are "a number of issues" that need to be addressed following a move from artificial insemination (AI) companies to introduce intellectual property (IP) rights.

Four of the largest operators in Ireland’s bovine AI sector confirmed last month that they intend to introduce IP rights on their high genetic merit bulls and semen.

The four operators – Dovea Genetics, Eurogene, Munster Bovine, and Progressive Genetics, said the move is in a bid to “safeguard the Irish genetics industry".

The IFA has met with four companies concerned on two occasions and Gorman has raised issues around "ensuring competition" in the marketplace and recognising that the rights of the farmer who breeds and owns the animal.

“IFA met with the four companies concerned on two occasions and we have directly raised our concerns that these IP proposals will stifle domestic competition for bulls being purchased as potential future AI sires.

"These concerns must be addressed by the companies before asking farmers to sign up to any IP requirement,” he said.

Gorman said the approach embarked on by the four AI companies "does not yet address the concerns raised" by the IFA. The companies involved have committed to engaging further with IFA on the matter.

“Seeking to protect Ireland’s best genetics to ensure they remain available to Irish farmers at affordable prices is an outcome we all want to achieve. However, this cannot be at the cost of inhibiting competition.

"Farmers provide 50% of the genetics for these animals; the AI companies should recognise this and address the valid concerns of farmers before embarking on any proposed IP restrictions," Gorman said.

“Until these discussions are concluded farmers should pay close attention to the terms and conditions of any contracts they are being asked to sign by AI companies,” he added.