Government is determined to support farmers in Cavan Monaghan as they deal with the severe shortage of fodder €“ Conlan – 08/05/13

Fine Gael TD, for Cavan Monaghan Sean Conlan, has said that the decision of the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, to extend the imported fodder transport scheme should provide further relief for farmers in Cavan and Monaghan who are struggling to cope with fodder shortages. Sean Conlan added that Minister Coveney will continue to monitor the fodder situation on a daily basis.

This Government is determined to support farmers as they deal with the severe shortage of fodder across the country. As of Tuesday evening, approximately 730 loads of hay and maize silage have been imported into the country from the UK and France. A further 170 loads are expected to be delivered by the end of the week. The Minister is extending the imported fodder transport scheme to the end of this week, to help cover the cost of getting feed to the farmers who need it.

“I know that farmers in Cavan and Monaghan are really feeling the pressure as a result of the fodder shortage. I would encourage farmers in Cavan Monaghan to seek help if they need it. Minister Coveney has been liaising with the farming organisations on a daily basis to monitor this situation which so many farmers find themselves in.”

A large volume of fodder has been brought into the country over the last number of weeks and this week, it is hoped that this will help to alleviate the problems faced by many farmers in the Cavan Monaghan region. A €1 million Fodder Crisis Scheme, has been put together by The Irish Farmers Association with the help of the industry, this too is very welcome news.

Minister Coveney has assured me that he will continue to monitor this situation on a daily basis. The Minister has been liaising with the main Co-ops and also with the Banks to ensure they are making adequate overdraft and short-term loan facilities available to farmers. The Dairy Co-ops, are offering interest-free credit for fertilizer purchased during the month of May and reduced prices in respect of feed supplies of meal. The main financial institutions have also assured the Minister that they have money ready to lend.

“The Department is prioritising the processing of all outstanding scheme payments to ensure farmers aren’t left out of pocket. Approximately 1,500 payments under the Agriculture Environmental Options Scheme issued during the last 10 days and close to a further 600 AEOS payments will issue within the next week. Together these payments are valued at approximately €3m.

I would urge any farmers in Cavan Monaghan with serious concerns to contact the helpline on low-call 1850 21 19 90.”