Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
538. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the emergency supports he has provided farmers to increase access to fodder, given the bad weather conditions for farmers across the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16036/24]
View answerIn March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.
In recognition of the ongoing and challenging weather conditions, I asked the Chairman to reconvene the Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.
The Committee, at its meeting on the 29th March, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers are experiencing, there are sufficient fodder stocks in the country. While ground conditions are challenging, there is also a good supply of grass and Teagasc are advising farmers they should take any opportunities available, for instance using on-off grazing, to allow animals access to grass.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met again on 9th April to get an update on the current situation across the country. At that meeting I announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.
This measure resolves a key issue regarding the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce. A financial contribution is being provided to farmers to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and silage for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
