The Irish Farmers' Association has said the fear and stress imposed on farm families over inspections must be removed.
IFA Deputy President Eddie Downey said there is a constant level of worry among farmers over the possibility of an inspector from the Department of Agriculture arriving in their yard, sometimes unannounced.
Speaking in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, Mr Downey said this level of anxiety and concern surrounding the inspection process is unacceptable.
He said farmers are entitled to fair and reasonable procedures and inspectors should not be able walk into farmyards unannounced.
Mr Downey insisted that the dignity and rights of farmers must be protected under the inspection process.
