New €1m scheme to reduce the price of fodder

The government has announced a new €1m scheme to reduce the price of fodder for farmers.

Fine Gael TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Deputy Joe O’Reilly, has today welcomed Minister Coveney’s announcement that he has allocated €1 million for an imported fodder transport scheme.

'This scheme is being introduced by the Government to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. It will operate through the dairy co-operatives (milk purchasers), will cover forage imported by the co-ops from April 15, 2013 to May 3, 2013 and will be subject to EU State Aid rules. This will substantially cover the cost of transport into the country and will reduce the cost to farmers of a bale of hay by approximately one third,' explained the Deputy.

'I would encourage farmers in Cavan and Monaghan to contact their local Co-Op for application forms and terms and conditions and maintain close contact with their agricultural advisor. I welcome the fact that the Co-ops have confirmed that they will facilitate farmers who need help in sourcing urgent fodder supplies, whether or not they are existing customers or suppliers,' he continued.

'Apart from this new scheme, the Department will continue to operate its Early Warning System whereby emergency assistance may be provided to farmers whose animals are experiencing serious welfare issues and where the farmer him/herself is unable to cope. I understand from the Minister that he will meet with bank representatives and CEOs of co-ops to discuss this situation further,' concluded the Deputy.

Meanwhile, check out today's Anglo-Celt for a four-page agricultural special including an interview with a Castlerahan farmer about his own experience of the fodder shortage. Also, agri news, mart reports and much more...