Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely aware of the pressures being experienced by farmers because of the exceptional and prolonged wet weather over the last few months. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to minimise the effects of the current pressures and to support farmers.

My Department paused non-essential farm inspections earlier this month until 22^nd of April.

I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers.

The Committee, at its meetings on the 29^th March and 9^th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase and this remains the case.

I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder. In response, Teagasc set up a Fodder Register which is helping connect farmers who have fodder available to those that need it. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through these challenging times.

I announced a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather. The measure provides a financial contribution towards the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.

To give confidence to tillage and horticulture farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is considering the next steps, including the State Aid and other approvals and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our tillage and horticulture sectors and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.

Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. The current settled spell of weather has improved soil trafficability and there has been a return to more normal spring work.

I am conscious of the backlog of machinery work on farms and the pressure and stress that this is putting on farmers and contractors alike. I would urge all involved to have patience as this backlog of work is cleared.

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he would consider opening up the fodder transport support scheme to include farmers who purchased fodder from longer distances from 31 January to 31 March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18422/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.

In recent months, in recognition of the ongoing and challenging weather conditions, I asked the Chairman to convene the Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.

The Committee at it's meeting on the 29 March, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers are experiencing, there were sufficient fodder stocks in the country. While ground conditions were challenging at that point, there was also a good supply of grass and Teagasc were advising farmers they should take any opportunities available, for instance using on-off grazing, to allow animals assess to grass.

I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder.

The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met again on 9 April to get an update on the current situation across the country. At that meeting I announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.

This measure resolves a key issue regarding the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce. It was clear to me that since the previous meeting in late March conditions had worsened and feed availability was an issue in certain parts of the country.

A financial contribution is being provided to farmers to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and Silage for feeding, during the period 1 April to 15 May, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. I'm satisfied - following my interactions with the Committee - that from early April the issue became more acute and hence support was warranted.

While the weather in recent days has improved the matter of fodder supply will be kept under review in the coming weeks and months to ensure sufficient fodder is available for livestock farmers.