All non-essential inspections paused and Teagasc tasked with coordination of support to farmers under fodder pressure

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, spoke this week about the challenging conditions on farms across Ireland.

Referring in particular to the question of fodder availability, he said: “I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farmers as a result of continuing and exceptional adverse weather conditions.

“As an immediate step I have asked my department to pause farm inspections not specifically required to support payments until 22nd April.

“In considering this matter I was conscious of the need to avoid any action that might affect payments to farmers. This step is a proportionate and necessary one in the current circumstances.

“I have also asked Teagasc to establish 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.

“The National Fodder and Feed Security Committee 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.

“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.

FINANCIAL AID FOR FARMERS MORE URGENT THAN EVER - ICSA

ICSA president Sean McNamara has welcomed the decision to suspend non-essential farm inspections until April 22.

“This move, at least, signals an acknowledgment from the Department of Agriculture regarding the significant challenges farmers are facing due to adverse weather conditions. However, we also want an assurance that any inspections that do go ahead will take these adverse conditions into account,” he said.

On the issue of fodder shortages, Mr McNamara said, “While Teagasc have reported that there is enough fodder to go around our members on the ground are reporting a starkly different reality.

“A lot of farmers are having huge difficulties sourcing the fodder they need, which is of a decent quality, is at a price they can afford, and that they can afford to transport. It really is a dire situation out there.

“While we also appreciate the Minister’s engagement with the financial institutions to address cash flow issues, the need for meaningful and accessible financial assistance has not gone away. On the contrary, it is now more urgent than ever. The need is real, and it is immediate.”

Mr McNamara said news that the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) will reconvene next week is welcome but said the meeting should be an in-person one.

“At last week’s meeting of the NFFSC - which took place online - ICSA and the other farming organisations were told that no financial assistance would be forthcoming.

“It is completely unacceptable to abandon farmers in such a time of need; it is even more unacceptable to do so over an online meeting. What we need is real engagement that will result in real financial aid for farmers put on the table.”