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Fodder Crisis

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Questions (583)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

583. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that it is becoming evident that the fodder crisis will continue not just into the summer but that it will heighten and worsen during next winter, his plans to continue bringing fodder into the country to help farmers build up a reserve to take them through another winter and in order to keep and sustain our farms and stock during this crisis; the other countries besides England and France in which he is looking for fodder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24205/13]

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Written answers

I announced on 10 May an extension of the imported fodder transport scheme for a further two weeks and the doubling of the fund to €2m.

Following consultation with Met Eireann, Co Ops, the farming organisations, Teagasc and the advice of officials working on the ground, the decision was taken to allow a further two weeks for fodder to be imported into the country with a doubling of the transport subsidy fund. Fodder, eligible under the scheme and delivered into the country will be covered up to next Friday 24 May. I have also decided, as an exceptional measure, that any definite purchases that have been placed by that date, but which will be delivered during the following week, will be included under the scheme.

To date some 2,000 loads of imported fodder, amounting to about 30,000 tonnes, have benefited from my Department’s contribution to these transport costs. My Department will continue to monitor the situation on a day by day basis. This remains a very challenging situation for farmers and the extension to 24 May will allow both farmers and Co Ops to have some certainty around the supply of fodder over the coming weeks.

It is also important that while continuing to focus on the emergency fodder position in the short term, farmers should also focus on growing and conserving fodder for next winter’s needs. We should be maximising production in the coming period and I have asked Teagasc to prioritise this policy in their advisory campaigns over the summer months.

It is clear that the main cut of silage will be delayed this year and as a consequence we need to look at the potential for the growing of additional fodder later into the season. In this regard I have also raised a number of specific issues within the Nitrates regulations with my colleague Minister Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to ensuring we maximise the opportunity for fodder production this year.

The Animal Welfare Hotline which I established remains open for those with emergency situations or who need information about where to source fodder: 1850 21 19 90 (Low-call). The majority of calls received are enquiring about fodder availability and these callers are being referred to Co-ops in their respective areas. Those farmers with animal welfare issues (i.e. animals starving) are being referred to the DVOs where there are systems in place to deal with them on a case by case basis.

Further information on the scheme is available from the Department website. http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/fodderassistanceapril2013/.

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