Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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534. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will put in place a scheme to offer financial assistance to farmers in view of ongoing difficulties with farmers securing fodder for their animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18685/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by some farmers as a result of recent unseasonable weather. Difficult conditions experienced on farms last summer have been compounded by an extended winter.

I am receiving daily updates from Teagasc on the situation and I have asked that for this crucial period, top priority is given to supporting farmers in need of assistance. I have also been speaking to banks, co-ops and grain and feed merchants to highlight the challenges facing farmers as a result of the weather, and insisting they take a flexible approach to dealing with short term credit issues. Contact is being maintained with the co-operatives and some have commenced sourcing fodder supplies in the United Kingdom. I will be meeting with representative from banks and co-operatives tomorrow.

In relation to the measures which can be taken to alleviate the problems on farms, I would urge farmers to also contact their local agricultural advisor. Where winter fodder is limited, advisors can provide specific advice and assistance on how to cope with the consequences of the weather conditions experienced this Spring. I am keeping this matter under constant review.