Insurance rates at some individual marts may be lowered over the coming months due to reduced claims costs and improved safety structures and processes, a leading farm insurer has indicated. Since the outset of Covid-19, marts nationwide have seen a significant drop in footfall, while, at the same time, marts have also enhanced safety facilities to allow restricted sales and an online trade to continue. As such, the Irish Co-Operative Organisation (ICOS) has been in continuous discussion with insurers to seek “meaningful reductions” to mart insurance rates because of these significant ringside changes. In response to these calls, an FBD spokesperson stated: “FBD can confirm we are continuously reviewing our livestock mart portfolio. Marts are a crucial sector to Irish agriculture in order for farmers to have independent competition for their produce, along with providing much needed rural employment and a social outlet in rural communities.