Written answers

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fodder Crisis

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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463. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will sanction emergency funding to assist farmers facing a fodder crisis at present; if emergency funds cannot be made available, if he will ensure an advance single farm payments/disadvantaged payments; if his attention has been drawn to the desperation and despair being felt by farmers as a result of this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19803/13]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon 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, with difficult conditions experienced on farms last summer having been compounded by an extended winter.

In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, last week I announced the allocation of €1 million to fund the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme, which is designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. I am pleased to note that since the introduction of this Scheme that significant quantities of fodder have been imported and are reaching those in most need.

In terms of EU payments, it will be recalled that my successful approach to Commissioner Ciolos for agreement to making an advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment was prompted by the very wet weather experienced throughout last summer. Mindful of ongoing difficulties, I have decided that a formal request should again be made to the EU Commission seeking agreement to pay an advance from 16 October of the 2013 Single Farm Payment which, at almost 2 months ahead of the standard timeline, is the earliest potential payment date. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are scheduled to begin issuing in September 2013.

I am, of course, keeping this ongoing situation under constant review.

The Department has an emergency animal welfare helpline in operation and farmers are being referred to the Co-operatives and or to the Department’s veterinary personnel as appropriate. Department Veterinary Inspectors continue to be actively engaged in providing emergency assistance under the Department’s early warning system to farmers whose animals are currently experiencing serious welfare issues and where the farmer him/herself is unable to cope with the situation.

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