Written answers

Tuesday, 8 May 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fodder Crisis

Photo of Noel GrealishNoel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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383. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reconsider his decision and implement a meal voucher scheme in view of the ongoing fodder crisis; his plans to use the EU crisis fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19824/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In response to pressures on fodder supplies caused by a long wet winter and spring I introduced a national Fodder Transport Support measure in January of this year, followed in April by a Fodder Import Support measure. These two interventions working together effectively addressed issues around fodder availability in the country. Grass growth, as confirmed by Teagasc assessments, has continued to improve significantly and livestock are out to graze. However, ground conditions were slow to improve in some areas and in a concluding response to remaining fodder difficulties I decided to extend  both measures by one week until yesterday 7th May.

It is important that we learn some of the lessons from this spring and build resilience into our systems going forward. I have asked Teagasc to chair a stakeholder group to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up.

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