Tipperary farmers must be supported in face of continuous weather challenges

Farmers in Tipperary must be supported in the face of weather conditions that are creating significant pressures on farms, Cllr. Declan Burgess has said.

A difficult autumn in 2023 and persistent rain this spring have delayed livestock turnout, disrupted spring plantings, and caused difficulties with other fieldwork. Met Éireann weather stations have recorded significant rainfall with Gurteen showing 115.3mm of rainfall in March.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary Cahir Cashel Municipal District said: “I know how important agriculture is to the local economy and Fine Gael is committed to delivering for rural Ireland and farmers. Right now, weather conditions are hammering farmer morale, and we are moving into an unprecedented territory on farms.

“Farmers are acting responsibly but the reality is that the weather is preventing livestock turnout, spring planting, and other fielding right across the country, including in Tipperary.

“This is causing untold stress for farmers who are trying to manage a difficult situation. I welcome the pausing of all non essential farm inspections until the 22th of April to provide farmers with breathing space. We are in a position where every and all option to support them needs to be considered if these difficult conditions persist.”

Burgess called on Government and all actors in the sector to come together to provide a co-ordinated response to the situation facing farmers.

Fine Gael Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said that any measure which could offer a reprieve for farmers until the conditions improve was being looked at.

Minister Heydon said: “No option is off the table here. Last Friday my department convened a meeting of the food and fodder security committee to work through the issues facing farms. This committee and its members will continue to provide up-to date information and advice as the situation develops and will meet again next week.

“In the meantime, we are putting in place a system to coordinate existing feed supplies to ensure any surpluses are available to those struggling.

“We are engaging with financial institutions to emphasise the need for short term finance on farms where cashflow is a difficulty, and in addition to pausing non-essential inspections we are exploring any flexibilities that can be offered around schemes and administration.”