Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
88. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to help farmers following the wet weather in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18436/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the current pressures being experienced by farmers because of the recent exceptional and prolonged wet weather. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to try and minimise the effects of the current pressures facing the farming community.
My Department paused non-essential farm inspections earlier this month until 22nd of April.
I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers. The Committee, at its meetings on the 29th March and 9th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase and this remains the case.
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. In response Teagasc set up a Fodder Register. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through these challenging times.
I announced a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather. The measure which provides a financial contribution to the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.
To give confidence to tillage and horticulture (field grown food crops) farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is working on next steps, including the necessary State Aid and other approvals, and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our tillage and horticulture sectors and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.
Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. The current settled spell of weather has improved soil trafficability and there has been a return to more normal spring work.
I am conscious of the backlog of machinery work on farms and the pressure and stress that this is putting on farmers and contractors alike. I would urge all involved to have patience as this backlog of work is cleared.
