Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue has criticised Minister Creed for his continued refusal to put fodder crisis funding in place.
The Inishowen TD says farmers are bitterly disappointed that the Minister failed to announce a fodder support scheme following today’s Fodder Action Group meeting.
“Considering there was a €78 million underspend by the Department of Agriculture in 2017, there are ample funds available to directly support farmers with severe fodder shortages”, said Deputy McConalogue.
“Supports should include funding for transport costs, to reimburse farmers who have had to pay to transport fodder to their farms, as well as a meal voucher scheme for affected farms.
“A recent Teagasc survey revealed that 85% of farmers affected by fodder shortages in the north-west region alone have less than half of the fodder they need on average for the winter period. This is simply not sustainable.
“Fianna Fáil will be raising this issue in the Dáil this week, and we will be demanding swift action from the government to address it”.
Tags: