The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) has outlined changes to its collections this year to help "curb the illegal farm plastics trade".

The group said that only farmers with valid six-digit label codes on proof of purchase (receipt/docket) from retailers (co-ops/merchants/contractors) will be charged at the standard €60 per half tonne rate at bring centres this year.

Farmers who do not provide the label codes will be charged double, IFFPG warned.

"To ensure smooth running of centres please ensure valid six-digit label codes are printed on receipts and dockets going forward. Your supplier will provide you with the six-digit label codes for paperwork.

"If you did not supply six-digit label codes on proof of purchase last year to farmers, please expect request from farmers for the codes this year," the group added.

The Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 require producers of farm plastics (manufacturers and/or importers) to either establish a deposit and refund scheme for farm plastic waste or to participate in an approved compliance scheme for its recovery and recycling.

As previously reported by Agriland, the minimum charge at IFFPG bring centres this year will be €60 per half tonne, with every half tonne thereafter being charged at €60.

This marks an increase of €10 when compared with the minimum charge of €50 per half tonne at bring centres in 2024. In 2023, the minimum charge stood at €35 per half tonne.

In the event that a farmer decides to opt for on-farm collection, the minimum call out charge this year will be €120 for the first half tonne, which IFFPG said is the same amount as 2024.

The charge for the first tonne collected at the farmyard is €200 and €200 per tonne thereafter.

IFFPG also confirmed that the recycling levy, which is charged to companies who place farm plastics products on the Irish market, will remain unchanged this year at €286/t.

In a recent parliamentary question, Independent TD Sean Canney asked about "the burden being placed on farmers by new requirements".

The Galway East TD noted that "many farmers do not purchase the plastic themselves, the plastic is provided by silage contractors and the price included in the costs to the farmer".

In response, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Darragh O'Brien said that his department oversees the policy, governance and legislative framework for extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, including for farm plastic waste.

"IFFPG manages the scheme's operation under the guidance of its board comprising representatives from farm film producers and farmers as well as two independent directors.

"While I have no role in directing the business of the scheme beyond its compliance with regulatory matters, I understand the scheme is implementing new compliance measures to ensure a fair and sustainable financial basis for its operation," he said.