Farmers with fodder difficulties urged to avail of support

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today (Wednesday) urged famers to avail of the supports which have been put in place to assist them in dealing with fodder shortages.

“The Department has in place an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) for dealing with situations on farms where animal welfare becomes an issue.   Where serious cases of animal welfare are identified emergency assistance, including the provision of fodder, is available.   The Department has an established animal welfare fund to assist in such cases, meaning no farmer should feel the burden of having to cope with difficult farming conditions on their own.

“Where is there is a genuine urgent need, I would encourage farmers to access this fund.   The EWS operates at county level, making it ideal to react to particular localised issues, and includes representatives from Department Veterinary Inspectors, IFA and ISPCA.   Early this year in response to emerging issues regarding fodder the EWS was extended to include representatives from ICMSA, Veterinary Ireland and Teagasc.

“The regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been working, together with Teagasc, local farming organisations and Veterinary Ireland to liaise with members of the farming community in getting information out about the supports available.

“Imports of fodder to Ireland are already taking place.   I have spoken with management at Connacht Gold, who have stated that there are stocks of a reasonably priced ration available to farmers now.  

“Steps have been taken to assist farmers in the purchase of this fodder; the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD announced a €1 million imported fodder transport scheme, which is welcomed in reducing the cost of importing straw, hay and silage for farmers.   I would encourage those who are in urgent need of fodder to contact their co-op and avail of the scheme.   It will cover forage imported by the co-ops from 15th April 2013 to 3rd May 2013.  

“In addition, the Minister has arranged short term loan and credit facilities with Ulster Bank, AIB, Bank of Ireland and the Co-Ops to facilitate farmers during this time.   The Minister is due to hold further discussions with the CO-Ops today.  

“This is an on-going matter which is being continually monitored by the Minister and his Department.   I have been encouraged by and wish to thank the Minister, the Co-Ops and the farming community who have taken a unified approach in dealing with this issue and in coming together to offer support those farmers who are in difficulty.”