Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 May 2018
160. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to ensure there is an adequate fodder supply for farmers in County Wicklow for the 2018-19 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22727/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in response to the recent pressures on fodder supplies caused by a long wet winter and spring I introduced a national Fodder Transport Support measure in January of this year, followed in April by a Fodder Import Support measure. Because ground conditions were slow to improve in some areas, in a concluding response to remaining fodder difficulties I decided to extend both measures by one week until 7 May. These two interventions working together effectively addressed issues around fodder availability in the country.
It is important that we all learn some of the lessons from this spring and build resilience into our systems into the future. Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority is the national body charged with providing appropriate research and advice to the farming community. In this connection I have asked it to convene and chair a representative group including stakeholders such as co-ops, banks, farm bodies amongst others to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up. I have asked that this group continues to meet regularly until it is satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
