Vol. 555 No. 2
154 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a viability aid package will be introduced for farmers who are affected by the negative consequences of this year's bad weather through poor quality silage, higher feed bills, disease, pressure and lower yields in tillage crops and crop damage due to heavy rainfall and flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/02]
170 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government intends to provide aid for those farmers worst affected by this year's weather crisis in view of continuing difficulties facing farmers in that position. [18281/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 170 together.
I have taken a series of weather related initiatives in support of farmers. I obtained a derogation from the EU Commission to allow set-aside land to be used for animal feed purposes on farms where 33% or more of the land has been flooded. I arranged for Teagasc to provide an intensive advisory service, both general and one to one. In co-operation with my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, I arranged that the farm assist scheme take account of the situation faced by farmers. I obtained EU Commission approval to bring forward the payment of 50% of arable aid due to cereal farmers to 16 October. I obtained an increase in the rate of advance payments made on cattle premia from 60% to 80% with effect from 16 October.
I have also put great emphasis on improving market supports. Over the summer period I succeeded in strengthening the market supports system within the milk sector aimed at addressing the market weakness which prevailed at the time. Furthermore, I recently announced a substantial improvement in the beef export refund rate for Egypt, aimed at the specific requirements for that market. In these circumstances, I have no plans to introduce an aid package.
