Claire Kerrane
Question:984. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise when the fodder support scheme will open for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28404/23]
View answerTuesday, 13 June 2023
Questions (984)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, I announced in June 2022 the launch of the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to ensure Ireland did not have any animal welfare issues over the 2022 winter and 2023 spring.
Building on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme, in November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme.
Both schemes were a recognition of the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the impact that had in terms of access to imported animal feed and on the price of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertiliser.
Any decision on expenditure for 2024 is matter for the 2024 budgetary process.