Fodder Crisis

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (1914)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

1914. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department was in a position to expedite the first round of payments of the 2018 basic payment scheme to allow farmers mitigate and prepare in advance of a potential fodder shortage in winter 2018 (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers are already using their first cut of tillage to feed animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33275/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Article 75(1) of EU Council Regulation 1306/2013 states that Member States may, prior to 1 December but not before 16 October, pay advances of up to 50% for direct payments and of up to 75% for support granted under rural development.

Article 75(3) of this regulation provides that the Commission may derogate from these provisions in the event of an emergency.

In light of the extreme weather conditions this year, my Department has submitted an application to the EU  Commission seeking a derogation to make advance payments of up to 70% for direct payments and of up to 85% for support granted under rural development. These rates are in line with those approved by the Commission in some previous years.

A response is awaited from the Commission.