Tipperary farming: fodder scheme to be unveiled 'in due course'

A fodder import scheme will be unveiled in due course, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

He was speaking at last weekend's Tullamore Show following a plea from IFA that something needed to be done “sooner rather than later” to deal with the situation.

IFA president Joe Healy said a fodder import scheme will have to be part of the Government’s response to the drought conditions as soon as possible to give co-ops and merchants the best chance of sourcing fodder from other countries.

Mr Healy said Minister Creed had to introduce an import scheme to help alleviate problems for the coming winter.

“Farmers will save as much fodder as they can, but it is very unlikely that we will be able grow enough. An import scheme would help to meet the demand.”

The IFA president said we were still waiting for clarification on key GLAS derogations for low-input grassland and catch crops, which would help to release more land to conserve fodder.

“Farmers also need more flexibility on fertiliser application rules to allow them to maximise grass growth in the next few months,” he said.

Mr Healy again called on Minister Creed to introduce immediately the low-cost loans which were promised in last October’s Budget, adding that these loans must be available for working capital.

“Many farmers have now run up huge bills with their co-ops and merchants purchasing additional feed. Opening up the loans would make available over €150m in liquidity for farmers which would help to pay feed and other bills,” Mr Healy said.

“All direct payments have to rolled out on time, starting with the increased ANC payment next month and the 70 per cent advance payment under the Basic Payment Scheme in October.”

IFA has prepared a full list of actions needed to help alleviate the crisis.

Meanwhile, Minister Creed has announced a two-week extension to the deadline for the spreading of slurry and chemical fertilisers in order to maximise autumn grass growth.

In Apri, Minister Creed announced the allocation of €1.5m for the introduction of a Fodder Import Support Measure in response to the severe winter.