Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which efforts are being made to manage grasslands and tillage lands, given the sharp increase in rainfall; if consideration will be given to adequate drainage as opposed to allowing widespread flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department are aware of the likely damage to the tillage sector in allowing or encouraging flooding or rewetting of the countryside which is likely to lead to a national food shortage in the not too distant future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 280 together.
As a Minister for Agriculture, I’m acutely aware of the difficulties experienced by both tillage and grassland farmers due to the exceptionally wet weather we have endured since last harvest. Met Éireann data has shown that all stations had rainfall in excess of their Long-Term Average, with stations such as Cork Airport and Johnstown Castle having 166% of normal rainfall in the autumn period. Indeed, Johnstown Castle had its wettest autumn on record.
Due to the difficulties experienced by farmers I reconvened the National Fodder Committee earlier this spring. Analysis presented by Teagasc has shown that fodder remains available across the country, but due to the significant distance that some fodder has to be moved from areas of plenty to areas of scarcity, I have introduced the Fodder Support Transport Support Measure. Under this scheme a financial contribution is being provided to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and Silage for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. Also, its important to note that under the 2023 Fodder scheme payments of almost €53m were issued to 67,000 farmers to assist them in making extra fodder.
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry making a significant contribution to overall agricultural output. Conscious of the pressures that the weather has placed on tillage farmers in March I introduced an exemption for 2024 from the Crop Diversification obligations under GAEC 7, commonly known as the two/three crop rule.
The improving weather in recent days has offered the opportunity for farmers to commence sowing of spring crops and livestock to be turned out to grass in certain areas. I will keep engaged with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary supports are in place to ensure sufficient fodder can be produced and so that tillage farmers can continue to produce high-quality crops in 2024.
In terms of rewetting there are no obligations on any landowner to rewet lands. We are all aware of the challenges posed by climate change, but it is critically important that we also ensure that sufficient land is available to produce high-quality food and feed to support our indigenous industries.
