'Extremely conscious' of Laois farmers mired in weather woes
Minister Seán Fleming committed to doing everything he could to support
With Storm Kathleen set to deluge more farms Laois Government Minister Sean Fleming has committed to doing what he can to support farmers mired in problems caused by months of wet weather which worsened in March and are showing no signs of easing.
The Minister of State pledged his help while welcoming confirmation from his party colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, that his Department has paused farm inspections not specifically required to support payments due to challenging conditions on farms. The Fianna Fáil representative said Teagasc has also been asked to help.
"This is a good move in view of the very wet and bad weather in Laois and nationwide," said Minister Fleming.
Laois IFA has said every farmer has been hit and Minister Fleming said he is aware of the issues faced.
"I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farming and local farm families as a result of the continuing adverse weather conditions. Fodder supplies are being depleted and this is clearly of serious concern for livestock and tillage farmers. In particular, turning stock out to grass and the sowing of spring cereals has been impacted.
"I welcome the Minister's confirmation that his Department has paused farm inspections that are not specifically required to support payments until 22nd April. Teagasc is also establishing a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.
"Fianna Fáil in Government recognises that farm families need to be supported. I will continue to do everything I can to help them, especially through this hugely difficult period of unsettled weather that is becoming increasingly common," he said.
He issued the statement after Minister McConalogue spoke today about the challenging conditions on farms.
“I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farmers as a result of continuing and exceptional adverse weather conditions," he said
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, spoke about the challenging conditions on farms with more bad weather due to Storm Kathleen. He said inspections were suspended to avoid any action that might affect payments to farmers.
However, he did not make a commitment to help with feed costs and fodder.
"The National Fodder and Feed Security Committee, which I convened last week, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers are experiencing, there are sufficient fodder stocks around the country at present. This system will support the optimal use of available stocks, and I have asked Teagasc to report back to next week’s National Feed and Food Security Committee on the outcome," he said.
He acknowledged that finance is an issue.
"I also met recently with the main banks and my department is continuing to engage with them. I have impressed upon them the need to show forbearance with farmers where cashflow issues are emerging in response to current difficulties. I also asked them to ensure access to short term finance and overdraft facilities where needed to deal with the pressure arising from the current exceptional weather conditions.”
Concluding, the Minister said that he had asked the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, under the chairmanship of Mike Magan, to meet again next week, and that he would continue to monitor the situation closely.