Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017
188. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a fodder crisis scheme for farmers who have been impacted by severe wet weather. [48634/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is clear that weather conditions over much of this Autumn have been challenging for farmers and created difficulties for farmers particularly in the Western regions and on heavier land types.
Grass growth rates through the autumn however have been ahead of last year. However the poor weather resulted in cattle being housed earlier than normal in places, particularly on the heavier soils; it also affected late cut silage making operations.
It appears that there are supplies of fodder in the form of silage and hay available across the country for those farmers who may require to supplement their own fodder supply. However, I have asked Teagasc to work locally in areas with fodder difficulties, to support good budgeting of fodder supplies on farms for the winter ahead. My Department continues to monitor the situation.
The European Commission agreed to my request for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme. This has been prompted by the inclement weather conditions and also market difficulties caused by currency fluctuations. This means an increase from 50% to 70% in the rate for the BPS to those applicants whose applications were confirmed fully clear. Issuing of these payments commenced after the 15th October and balancing payments will be made with effect from early December. There will also be an increase permitted to the advance for Pillar II Rural Development schemes.
These payments and the payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, have already injected over €800 million into the Irish rural economy. These payments are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance fodder purchase where necessary.
Taking account of this, there are no plans at this time to establish a fodder aid scheme. My Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.
