Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2013
220. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide financial support for farmers who are unable to secure credit and finance from any source and are experiencing severe fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24504/13]
View answerI 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.
By the end of the week some 2,000 loads of imported fodder, amounting to about 30,000 tonnes, will have benefitted 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.
For many farmers, concerns regarding access to credit and flexibility around loan repayments have been a significant issue. I have been in regular contact with the banks, co-ops and feed merchants to urge flexibility and co-operation at this challenging time. Both banks and co-ops have asked farmers to contact them to discuss the terms that are available and have indicated that they will show flexibility on the basis that the longer term outlook for farming is positive and prices are strong across most areas.
Further information on the scheme is available from the Department website. http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/fodderassistanceapril2013/
