Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture Brian Ó Domhnaill has called for an immediate extension to the Fodder importation scheme along with a special relief fund to help distressed farmers across the North West and around the country.
Senator Ó Domhnaill said: “There is an extreme shortage of fodder for farmers right across the country. Short-term and long-terms measures must be taken by the Minister for Agriculture to help farmers deal with the crisis.
“I am calling for an immediate extension to the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme which is due to end this week. The scheme should be extended by at least another two weeks.
“There is a major crisis in the west and North West in getting fodder into the region and farmers are being forced to keep young stock in sheds because there is no food on the land for them. Dairy farmers are under particular strain with growth four to five weeks behind normal years.
“Minister Coveney is failing Irish farmers. He needs to immediately put in place a €50m relief fund. The continuing unsettled weather combined with problems transporting fodder in from the UK and France means the fodder crisis continues to devastate the farming community.
“The hardship being experienced by our farmers cannot be ignored any longer.”
Tags:
