Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issuing this morning. Unfortunately, this is an ongoing issue, as he and I both know. On behalf of the Government, I again condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine and commend the response of people across the country who are showing solidarity with and support for Ukrainian citizens.

At a time when tractors are in the fields domestically, calves are being born and sheep are lambing, many of our brethren farmers in Ukraine are facing a war and taking up arms, in many instances, as opposed to doing what they want to do in terms of farming and tilling the soil. The Government remains very much resolute in our solidarity with them and with Ukraine.

As the Deputy outlined, significant implications are being seen across the economy and there are particular challenges at farm level. The crisis has already made a significant impact on the price of feed, fertiliser and fuel. I have established a rapid response team within the Department, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on the agrifood supply chain and contribute to the whole-of-government response to the crisis.

I also established the national food and fodder security committee with all key stakeholders to provide advisory leadership to plan for this year and for next winter and spring. As the Deputy knows, I also brought forward the €12 million tillage support, which has been very strongly responded to by farmers. I know many are considering planning to grow increased tillage this year and to avail of that support. Certainly, there is an absolute guarantee from me that €400 per hectare will be paid on that additional tillage to those who plant that extra grain this year .

At the start of the year, I also launched the tillage soils and nutrients campaign to provide advice around organicslurry. That is more precious and valuable than ever and how it is used is really important. That is a really important support to farmers as well.

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