Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has conducted any evaluation of the fodder crisis here; the measures if any that he is contemplating to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is keeping the situation under review through monitoring of the weather and its effect on horticulture, cereals and silage production and grass growth.

In the meantime, I sought EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Payment Scheme. This was approved and will enable payment to issue immediately following 16 October and will represent early payment of €600 million to farmers.

I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the other scheme payments to farmers and I remain committed to ensuring that the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful, of course, of the over-riding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements. REPS payments in respect of 2011 are up to date and AEOS payments are well advanced and continue to issue as quickly as possible. My intention is to ensure that payments in respect of 2012 which are due later in the year are brought forward to the earliest possible date.

The closing dates for spreading of chemical and organic fertiliser have been extended by 2 weeks. This will help farmers to make the most of the grass growing season.

Teagasc have been very active in providing advice & assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. Teagasc has conducted a survey of the fodder position on livestock farms and are monitoring the situation. All Teagasc offices are taking calls from concerned farmers. A series of public meetings are being held across the country in early September to address fodder/financial and social aspects of weather crisis. Weather clinics were held in all Teagasc offices recently. Newsletters / media articles are being prepared to outline options open to farmers facing difficulties.