Written answers
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Animal Feedstuffs
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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685. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns that there may be a fodder shortage in 2020; the contingency measures he will put in place for the event; if he will prepare a financial support package in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7913/20]
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Over the last decade, Ireland has experienced a number of extreme weather events ranging from the significant cold winter of 2009/2010 through to the extended dry period experienced in the Summer of 2018 which followed a prolonged winter that resulted in a late spring.
2019 proved to be a very good year for grass growth resulting in significant reserves of fodder being available into 2020. In addition, so far this year, based on Teagasc's PastureBase Ireland grass growth monitoring model, growing conditions have been favourable. As a result of the growing conditions and the good weather, farmers have conserved excellent quality fodder in recent weeks and based on current fodder availability, it is premature to consider a fodder shortfall at this time.
Nevertheless, both I and my officials continue to closely monitor the situation.
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