David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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1636.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering introducing a fodder production incentive scheme, similar to the one introduced in 2018, to encourage and support farmers to sow forage crops on their land to offset possible fodder shortages over the coming winter; if so, to give details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31487/24]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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1637.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a possible fodder shortage this coming winter; the actions, if any, he plans to take to offset any such shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31490/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1636 and 1637 together.

I am very well aware of the challenges that weather conditions have placed on farmers this year, including the very wet conditions in earlier months and more recently, colder weather which has limited grass growth. It was on this basis that I reconvened the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) to discuss the current situation and the outlook for tillage and fodder for livestock farmers.

The NFFSC met on Monday 8th July and heard from Teagasc specialists who provided an update on tillage crops, grass growth and the results of a recent fodder survey. Grass growth has reduced by approximately 10% so far in 2024 due to sub-optimal weather conditions. This reduced grass growth is reflected in the results of a recent fodder survey carried out by Teagasc where it is estimated that between 25% and 30% of beef and dairy farmers currently have fodder deficits exceeding 10%.

Pasture growth has improved in recent weeks. However, it is important that farmers in a deficit situation take the necessary action now to secure sufficient fodder supplies for the coming winter. The key message for farmers from the NFFSC meeting was to engage with their advisors and complete an individual fodder budget to assess winter feed requirements and make provisions if they are in a deficit. Farmers who find themselves in a deficit should maximise fodder production through second and third cut silage, and source additional fodder through renting grassland and/or sourcing forage crops. Farmers are also advised to complete nutrient management plans and plan applications of organic and chemical fertiliser for the remainder of the year. Farmers were also encouraged to engage early with banks if they need additional finance.

I also proposed a deferral of the 2024 Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and indicated that I would engage with the Farmers' Charter on the matter. I am at present engaging with farm bodies and will make a final decision shortly. With fodder supplies behind where we would like to be, and with depleted national reserves of straw from last winter, I want to ensure that all farmers have a sufficient supply of straw for the coming winter. I also urge those who need straw to engage with tillage farmers to ensure their supplies are secure. However, I remain fully committed to meeting the targets for Straw Incorporation over the lifetime of the CAP Strategic Plan.