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Fodder Crisis

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Questions (788)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

788. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the actions taken by his Department to assist farmers in counties Longford and Westmeath who are experiencing severe fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that on 24 April I established a €1 million transport fodder scheme in response to the difficulties faced by farmers arising out of the extraordinarily poor spring weather which resulted in severe fodder shortages across the country. The purpose of the Scheme was to contribute to the transport costs of importing fodder into the country and to provide assistance to farmers unable to feed their animals. In light of the continued difficult circumstances and poor weather during much of the month of May, the deadline for the Scheme was extended twice and funding doubled to €2 million. By the end of May, 2,778 loads of imported fodder, amounting to over 40,000 tonnes, have been delivered to farmers through co-ops and marts.

The Animal Welfare helpline has received over 1,100 calls through the Early Warning System.

The vast majority of calls were adequately supported through fodder being made available under the transport subsidy scheme but 475 farmers, in need of more substantial support were aided with targeted emergency assistance directly by the Department. To assist farmers under financial pressure, farm payments have been processed as quickly as possible. To date over 29,300 of the remaining 30,200 REPS4 participants have been paid a total of €167 million in respect of the 2012 application period. Almost €36 million of this issued this year. In recent weeks, approximately €3.5 million worth of AEOS payments have also issued.

In addition, in co-operation with my colleague Mr. Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, a temporary and targeted adjustment of the Nitrates Regulations were made to support additional fodder production on farms and maximise grass growth for later into the growing season.

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