Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

351. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will discuss with all suppliers of feed stuff for animals in order to request them to reduce their prices to try to alleviate the pressure on struggling farmers who cannot afford to feed their livestock at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21533/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In light of the continuing fodder problem, I announced last week that the duration of the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme has been extended until Friday 10th May.

I am satisfied that the volume of imported fodder is making a real difference on farms and assisting farmers through the current shortage. The extension of the scheme for a further week will build on this and ensure that further supplies are imported with the benefit of the transport subsidy.

Apart from this initiative on the fodder transport scheme, I have addressed the issue of credit facilities with the banks and the co-ops. The banks have been requested to take a flexible approach towards extending credit to farmer customers at this difficult time. The co-ops responded already with the introduction of interest free credit to farmers for the purchase of fertiliser in the month of May, which will be a key component in addressing this year’s fodder problem.