Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
18. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking and the supports he is putting in place to help farmers that risk another fodder crisis due to the extreme hot weather. [31067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a coordinated approach to securing adequate fodder stocks I launched a national fodder census on the 26th June, to be compiled by Teagasc, through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for the 1st September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of fodder in the country and will inform further actions that may be necessary this autumn.
Even before the advent of this current prolonged dry spell and in order to learn from the lessons of last winter and to plan for the coming winter, I convened a representative group chaired by Teagasc 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. During the current extraordinarily dry weather, I have asked the group to ensure advice and guidance to manage grazing and fodder is available to all farmers. This group will remain in place until I am satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
The group has met on two occasions and indeed I joined the second meeting of this group by phone link to keep informed of its actions in support of livestock farmers affected by the dry conditions. The group is scheduled to meet again next week.
Detailed agronomic advice is being regularly coordinated and communicated to farmers by the bodies represented on the Fodder Group, including through our own social media account.
In addition, a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the ongoing drought has been set up by Teagasc. This is being supplemented by a series of local meetings/clinics where farmers can obtain direct support from Teagasc advisors on the spot. The helpline will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm - 087 7971377.
It is important to emphasise that this helpline service and local clinics are open to all farmers, including non-Teagasc clients.
Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand whilst banking institutions, also represented on the group, have announced the availability of working capital and are working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell.
Finally, I firmly believe that farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to weather related events and enable them to take appropriate preventative actions. To this end I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
