Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced this Wednesday that his department has secured €4.25m from Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe for further fodder support for farmers.

"In light of the recent severe drought conditions and their impact on an already difficult fodder situation, I am introducing a support measure contributing to the cost of importing fodder from abroad," Minister Creed said.

The new measure will "build on a range of supports already put in place", according to the Minister.

Eligible

Forage imported from outside the island of Ireland through co-ops and registered importers between 12 August and the end of this year is eligible to €50/t fresh weight transport contribution.

Hay, haylage, maize or grass silage, alfalfa and any other type of forage deemed acceptable to the Department by prior approval will be eligible the payment.

The price the farmer pays for the forage must clearly exclude the full value of the DAFM transport contribution

Farmers must contact their co-op or importer to access supported supplies and complete a declaration to ensure that they comply with the EU de minimis rule allowing a maximum of €15,000 of state aid per farmer.

No payments will be made directly to farmers as the scheme will support transport costs incurred by importers.

"The price the farmer pays for the forage must clearly exclude the full value of the DAFM transport contribution," the terms and conditions of the scheme state.

Reactions

IFA president Joe Healy acknowledged the measure as “important” and said: “Some co-ops and merchants have identified available fodder abroad and this allows them to put their plans in place.”

He also called for the roll-out of low-cost loans and further clarifications on GLAS flexibilities.

ICMSA president Pat McCormack welcomed the support, adding that the failure of crops all over Europe meant that there was already a scramble under way to source and secure fodder. He, too, urged the Government to make low-cost loans available and to drive live exports to "get animals out farmers’ yards and out of the country".

ICSA president Patrick Kent welcomed the scheme and called for "vigilance on quality and price" regarding imported fodder. “On home ground, we need to take a sensible approach and allow Low-Input Grassland to be baled sooner rather than later,” he added.

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