Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can provide an update on the adequacy of fodder stock ahead of the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the challenges that weather conditions have placed on farmers this year.

It was on this basis that I reconvened the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) in early July to ensure advisory and support services were available to farmers to ensure they have the necessary information and advice to maximise fodder production for the coming Winter.

I also introduced the Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) to encourage tillage farmers to bale straw from crops under the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) to ensure a supply of straw for feeding and bedding.

The results of the recently updated Teagasc Fodder Survey have shown good progress has been made in the last few months to secure additional fodder and reduce fodder deficits.

The survey of 650 farms shows that 62% of farms have sufficient fodder that includes one month fodder reserve. However, 20% of farms have minor deficits of less than 10% of winter feed requirement, while 6% have deficits of greater than 20%. According to Teagasc, fifty percent of respondents to the survey have already taken action to secure additional forage.

I would like to encourage farmers still facing fodder shortages to engage with their advisors and complete fodder budgets to assess their winter feed requirements for stock and make provisions to secure feed.

My Department and I will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks.