The IFA has called for the fodder import subsidy to be increased from €60 to €120 per bale and a doubling of the 20,000t limit. Speaking after the IFA national council meeting in Dublin on Tuesday, Joe Healy said many farmers are at breaking point because of the pressures and stresses arising from the fodder problems and related difficulties.
More funding
“The minister has said that more funding for the scheme would be provided if it was needed. The unanimous and strongly held view of our council members today is that more is needed and it is needed now,” he said.
Healy also called for restrictions on the national transport fodder subsidy to be removed, including abolishing the 50km limit. The immediate introduction of a meal voucher system is also needed, he said.
Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association has called for a hardship fund to be established for drystock farmers.
Assistance
“Meat processors have failed to offer any assistance whatsoever,” said the ICSA beef chair Edmund Graham. “While the co-ops have done what they can, we remain at the mercy of factories that will use any opportunity to hammer us on price. We are at our wits' end trying to cope with this crisis on our own and are at the back of the queue when it comes to access to imported fodder.”
Both farm organisations, the IFA and ICSA, have called for:
The immediate roll-out of meal vouchers.The Department of Agriculture to roll out its low-cost loan package for small- and medium-sized farming enterprises for working capital.All outstanding farm scheme payments to be made immediately.Flexibility around the terms of targeted supports such as BDGP and the Sheep Welfare Scheme.The IFA has also sought the suspension of all inspections on farms.
Read more
Listen: Fianna Fail motion for immediate GLAS payments
The IFA has called for the fodder import subsidy to be increased from €60 to €120 per bale and a doubling of the 20,000t limit. Speaking after the IFA national council meeting in Dublin on Tuesday, Joe Healy said many farmers are at breaking point because of the pressures and stresses arising from the fodder problems and related difficulties.
More funding
“The minister has said that more funding for the scheme would be provided if it was needed. The unanimous and strongly held view of our council members today is that more is needed and it is needed now,” he said.
Healy also called for restrictions on the national transport fodder subsidy to be removed, including abolishing the 50km limit. The immediate introduction of a meal voucher system is also needed, he said.
Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association has called for a hardship fund to be established for drystock farmers.
Assistance
“Meat processors have failed to offer any assistance whatsoever,” said the ICSA beef chair Edmund Graham. “While the co-ops have done what they can, we remain at the mercy of factories that will use any opportunity to hammer us on price. We are at our wits' end trying to cope with this crisis on our own and are at the back of the queue when it comes to access to imported fodder.”
Both farm organisations, the IFA and ICSA, have called for:
The immediate roll-out of meal vouchers.The Department of Agriculture to roll out its low-cost loan package for small- and medium-sized farming enterprises for working capital.All outstanding farm scheme payments to be made immediately.Flexibility around the terms of targeted supports such as BDGP and the Sheep Welfare Scheme.The IFA has also sought the suspension of all inspections on farms.
Read more
Listen: Fianna Fail motion for immediate GLAS payments
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