Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1987. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow farmers under the GLAS low input permanent pasture measure to take a forage crop off in 2022 to meet projected animal feed demands this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee in March of this year. I tasked the Committee with preparing a multi-sectoral response to identify those issues that will arise for feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
I have also brought forward a Memorandum for Information to Government on 3rd May 2022 on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay this year to ensure that nationally we have adequate stocks of fodder over next winter.
This scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme.
Acknowledging the timely announcement of the various measures to date, the National Fodder and Food Security Committee will continue to advise me in the coming months on issues relating to the security of supply of fodder for the coming winter.
Flexibilities have previously been introduced by my Department in respect of the terms and conditions of agri-environment schemes in order to assist with fodder issues. However there are currently no plans at present for any derogation in respect of the GLAS specifications. Any such derogation would require the formal approval of the EU Commission. As always, the position will continue to be closely monitored by my Department.
