Application forms for the Department of Agriculture’s fodder transport scheme, open to farmers with a proven shortage of fodder, are now available.
The scheme, which was announced by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed last week, has come in for criticism from farm organisations on the distance rules applied and a perceived lack of clarity on what fodder will be eligible.
The Department of Agriculture has not said what the total budget available for the scheme is, saying only “a limited budget is available”.
Under the terms of the Fodder Transport Support Measure 2018, the following applies:
Financial aid is only available for the transport cost of fodder up until 20 April 2018.It will only be paid for forage purchased and utilised on the farm after 29 January 2018. Forage purchased prior to 29 January is ineligible for the scheme. Eligible forage is defined as bales of hay, haylage, silage and straw for feeding.Only farmers who have a significant forage shortage, confirmed and verified by a FAS-approved adviser, can apply. Payments will be limited to the shortfall only. A completed forage budget form signed by a FAS-approved adviser must be submitted as part of the application.Applications must be verified by the Department of Agriculture. This may include an on-farm inspection as part of the application system.Forage primarily sourced through co-operatives will be eligible for the transport support contribution.The farmer must pay the co-op for the fodder and transport in full, then apply to the Department of Agriculture for aid using the application form, which includes a forage budget form and a co-operative declaration.Only forage sourced within the Republic of Ireland is eligible.If the scheme is oversubscribed, the Department of Agriculture will implement reduced payments.Applications must equal or exceed €100 in support payable to be considered eligible for the scheme. Read more
Farmers can source fodder cheaper than co-ops
‘Impractical and unworkable details’
Fodder scheme 'creating concern' – ICMSA
Application forms for the Department of Agriculture’s fodder transport scheme, open to farmers with a proven shortage of fodder, are now available.
The scheme, which was announced by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed last week, has come in for criticism from farm organisations on the distance rules applied and a perceived lack of clarity on what fodder will be eligible.
The Department of Agriculture has not said what the total budget available for the scheme is, saying only “a limited budget is available”.
Under the terms of the Fodder Transport Support Measure 2018, the following applies:
Financial aid is only available for the transport cost of fodder up until 20 April 2018.It will only be paid for forage purchased and utilised on the farm after 29 January 2018. Forage purchased prior to 29 January is ineligible for the scheme. Eligible forage is defined as bales of hay, haylage, silage and straw for feeding.Only farmers who have a significant forage shortage, confirmed and verified by a FAS-approved adviser, can apply. Payments will be limited to the shortfall only. A completed forage budget form signed by a FAS-approved adviser must be submitted as part of the application.Applications must be verified by the Department of Agriculture. This may include an on-farm inspection as part of the application system.Forage primarily sourced through co-operatives will be eligible for the transport support contribution.The farmer must pay the co-op for the fodder and transport in full, then apply to the Department of Agriculture for aid using the application form, which includes a forage budget form and a co-operative declaration.Only forage sourced within the Republic of Ireland is eligible.If the scheme is oversubscribed, the Department of Agriculture will implement reduced payments.Applications must equal or exceed €100 in support payable to be considered eligible for the scheme. Read more
Farmers can source fodder cheaper than co-ops
‘Impractical and unworkable details’
Fodder scheme 'creating concern' – ICMSA
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