Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Fodder Crisis

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (1988)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1988. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and the statutory agencies are engaged with farming and agrifood representatives in relation to the development of a strategy to ensure adequate feed and fodder supplies for the remainder of 2018 and the early part of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34889/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the fodder difficulties of last winter and spring I formed 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 depleted stocks of fodder. I have also requested the group to co-ordinate advice on managing grazing and fodder conservation through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather.

The third meeting of the group took place only last Thursday 19 July and I have asked that the work of the group continue into the Autumn period and to provide on-going guidance and assistance to impacted farmers and I will be actively monitoring this situation through engagement both with the group and its members.

On 26th June last I launched a national fodder census 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 first week of September.

Practical advice is being shared across the group on dealing both with the current weather and on filling the fodder gap that has now been identified. The overall priority must be to conserve as much fodder for the coming winter as possible when the opportunity to do so arises and to take advantage of growth when it resumes after the current drought.

Reflecting this, Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the on-going drought. 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. 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. Banking institution and Co-operative members of the group are also working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell and some have introduced dedicated credit lines to farmers

In order to support farmers during this challenging period and into the autumn I have requested the EU Commission to ensure the earliest approval of advance of direct support payments this autumn

I have also been in further contact with Commissioner Phil Hogan as a follow-up to last week’s Council of Agriculture Ministers’ meeting where I joined with counterparts from other Member States in raising issues caused by current drought conditions. At that Council, I called on the European Commission to be responsive to current difficulties and to retain an open mind on any solutions which can alleviate current difficulties. This was followed yesterday with a letter to Commissioner Hogan requesting permission to proceed with certain actions which could be helpful to Irish farmers, which have a special emphasis on replenishing fodder stocks in advance of the winter period as well as improving on-farm cash-flow.

Barr
Roinn