Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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354. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce changes to the fodder transport scheme in the future as necessary, given that, currently, fodder must be sourced at least 75 kilometres away in order to avail of the scheme; and if this criterion can be removed and additional supports put in place to assist farmers in sourcing suitable fodder more locally. [28268/24]

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.

Earlier this year, in recognition of the 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 2024, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers were experiencing, there were sufficient fodder stocks in the country.

I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-coordinating 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 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 and this will operate through the co-op network.

I am satisfied that the scheme design allows for the movement of fodder supplies from areas of excess to areas experiencing shortages without impacting on the normal functioning of the market for fodder.