Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015
270. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to providing a grant for a fodder growing system for organic farmers; the grants available to organic farmers at present to help with their costs, or if other grants will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8893/15]
View answerThe fodder production system referred to is currently being promoted as an economically viable system of producing fodder or overcoming fodder shortages on organic livestock farms. The economics and application of such a production system, however, have to be carefully examined. I am advised by my Department that the accepted comparison of feed is based on dry matter equivalents. A feed with 90% water, as in the case of sprouted grain central to the production system referred to, has considerably less feed value than the grain itself with 5% water, on a weight for weight basis. Furthermore, I am advised that research has shown that there is a net loss of dry matter over the sprouting/growing period of in excess of 20%.
In light of the above therefore, I have no plans to grant aid the production system referred to at this time.
As regards other supports for Organic farmers, a greatly enhanced Organic Farming Scheme is proposed under the new Rural Development Programme, incorporating significantly increased rates of aid, and including assistance for the growing of Red Clover as an organic fodder crop. In addition, I propose to introduce a new Capital Grant Scheme to assist organic farmers in the purchase of equipment and machinery.
