Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. This is a very important and pertinent debate about the current fodder crisis in agriculture. As regards rainfall issues in my part of the world, Cork, there was four inches more rainfall at Cork Airport in the past six weeks than during the same period last year. When there is an extra 100 mm of rain in the ground, there are issues in terms of grazing and fertiliser. If people were to take the right approach, they would spread more fertiliser straight away but they cannot do so as a result of current land conditions. We are in a very tricky situation.

Most farmers to whom I have spoken in recent days have between seven and ten days' worth of fodder left. With poor ground conditions and a restricted ability to graze and put out fertiliser, there is a worry and a real danger that the dairy industry in my part of the world could come under exceptional pressure in the next ten days if the weather does not change. The weather last weekend was the final straw.

An important issue for me is that many farmers are under financial, physical and mental stress. We must talk about the mental stress that the farming community is under and start communicating the message that if there is an issue and a farmer is under pressure, he or she must talk not only to his or her Teagasc adviser or accountant but also to his or her neighbour and family. Farmers are feeling the wrath of six months of winter and the consequent impact on animal health and fodder. The Minister must also ask farmers to talk about the matters affecting them and to engage with the services we have in the State. I am sure the Minster will do that capably but it is currently one of the big issues for farmers. Farmers are stressed and that must be discussed by the industry. Unfortunately, the industry is not good at doing so. This is a key issue on which the Minister must provide a lead.

I compliment the Minister on moving the date for nitrates derogation to the end of the month. By so doing, he freed up Teagasc advisers and other consultants to go out to meet farmers and talk to them about their fodder issues and the fodder programmes that are required. The deferral of the date by ten or 11 days is very important. If the current weather conditions and associated crisis continue, the Minister should consider moving the date for the single farm payment, currently due on 15 May, such that Teagasc advisers will not be sitting in offices and doing paperwork when they must be out talking to farmers. They are a key resource in the current crisis and they must not be chained to their desks. If required, the Minister should use the initiative he previously displayed in respect of the nitrates derogation date and move the date for the single farm payment.