In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, earlier this year I announced the allocation of funding for an imported fodder transport scheme, designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. The aid substantially covered the cost of transport into the country, thus reducing the cost to farmers of a bale of hay by approximately one third. While the scheme operated through the co-operatives, marts and other approved agencies, the actual beneficiaries are the individual farmers and primary producers who needed urgent supplies of feed. Operating the scheme in this manner was the quickest and most effective way of getting the fodder to those who needed it.
Of the 81 different concerns which participated in the Scheme, to date, 58 have submitted claims, of which 14 have been fully processed and paid with a further 9 cases cleared to payment stage. Of the remaining 35 cases that have submitted documentation, 17 have yet to submit sufficient documentation. These concerns have been contacted directly and are working with my Department to resolve the outstanding issues. Currently documentation remains outstanding from 23 concerns. An emergency helpline was set up to deal with animal welfare issues emanating from the fodder crisis. Some 1,100 calls were logged to the helpline and 475 farmers were specially aided to a total of over €170,000. The majority of the callers were diverted directly to their nearest Co-Op/ Mart in order to access their nearest source of supply.
However, the Deputy may also be aware that agreement was reached in Brussels last week which provides for an advance payment under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. This will now allow us to make advance payments, at a rate of 50%, to those applicants whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from 16 October, with balancing payments being made with effect from 1 December. My approach to the Agriculture Commissioner had been prompted by the protracted unseasonable weather which prevailed throughout the country, which culminated in the serious national fodder shortage which led to severe difficulties for farmers. Being acutely aware of the significance to farmers and the wider rural economy of the Single Payment, and mindful of the ongoing financial crisis, I have been particularly concerned at the difficulties caused for farmers by the adverse weather conditions during the first half of the year.
The total value of the advance payments, which will begin issuing as and from 16 October, the first day of the new EU financial year, will release payments worth some €600 million. The benefit in making these payments six weeks earlier than otherwise provided for under the existing rules of the scheme will be particularly beneficial at this time, both to the individual farmers concerned and also the wider rural community. I can assure all concerned that my officials will do all that is needed to ensure the maximum number of applicants receive their advance payment at the earliest possible date.
