D’arcy welcomes €1m fodder scheme for farmers

Fine Gael Louth Senator, Jim D’arcy, has welcomed the new €1 million scheme announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, to reduce the price of imported fodder to farmers.

The scheme will operate through the dairy co-operatives and will cover fodder imported by the co-ops from 15th April 2013 to 3rd May 2013.

“This initiative will substantially reduce the cost of transporting fodder into the country and will reduce the cost of a bale of hay to farmers by more than 30%.

“In the coming days, application forms and terms and conditions will be made available through the co-ops which will facilitate farmers whether they are existing customers or not. The Minister recognises that there is a fodder shortage in certain parts of the country, including Louth and the difficulty that arises for farmers as a result. This move will help to alleviate the concerns of farmers in meeting their fodder needs.

“I would also like to acknowledge the role co-ops are playing in dealing with this situation and am delighted that following on from a meeting today with the CEOs of the dairy co-op, the Minister has confirmed their willingness to substantially increase the volume of fodder being imported into the country over the short to medium term. Consideration is also being given to the introduction of interest free credit for farmers for the purchase of fertiliser.

“Farmers have experienced considerable hardship in recent months owing to the weather conditions. Hopefully, these measures will help them manage their operations until grass growth improves.”

Ends