Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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745. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the work of the national fodder and food security committee; if the committee has prepared an industry response and developed contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52881/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, arising from the war in Ukraine, I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on the 8th March this year, at which I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. I tasked the Committee with preparing an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.

Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season, with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter. The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops thus ensuring that sufficient fodder is conserved. In addition, Teagasc commenced a nationwide advertisement campaign giving advice to farmers ,along with extensive engagement with farmer clients. The Committee held additional meetings as deemed necessary throughout the spring and summer.

To support farm families, I announced a Targeted Intervention Package on 22^ndMarch framed around three pillars to support Irish farming families, arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package was projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million.

In addition, on the 14^thJune 2022 the Government approved a €56 million Fodder Support Scheme which opened for applications on the 17^thJune 2022. Approximately 71,000 applications were received under this Scheme with a projected spend in the region of €54 – 55 million, with payments to commence next month.

In addition, through working closely with my colleague Minister McGrath, I have secured additional funds to run a similar Scheme again in 2023 subject to the European Commission publishing the 2023, Temporary Crisis Framework and separately, the European Commission approving a 2023 Fodder Support Scheme.

While I am watching the situtaion weekly, and we can never be too confident, I am satisfied that there will be sufficient fodder for winter 2022 especially following the supports I have deleivered to our farm families. I remain committed to supporting farm families throughout this challenging period.