Farmers can now apply for aid under the Fodder Transport Support Measure 2018, launched by Minister Michael Creed.

The scheme is aimed to give targeted support to farmers in the west/northwest and addressing a significant, verified forage shortage on those farms.

Transport funding rates per bale.

Under the terms of the scheme:

  • Aid is only available for the transport cost of fodder up to 20 April, 2018.

  • It will only be paid for forage purchased and utilised on the holding after 29 January 2018.
  • 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 advisor can apply. Payments will be limited to the shortfall only. A completed forage budget form signed by a FAS approved advisor must be submitted as part of the application.
  • Applications must be verified by the Department of Agriculture. This may include on-farm inspection.
  • 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 over-subscribed, the Department of Agriculture will implement reduced payments.
  • Applications must equal or exceed €100 in support payable to be considered eligible.

    • Farmers eligible for the Fodder Transport Support Measure 2018 can received up to the European Commission’s €15,000 individual aid limit. However any aid paid out under the Fodder Transport Support Measure 2018 will be considered towards the applicant’s threshold for the next three years (2018-2020).

    Application form

    A copy of the application form and full terms and conditions of the scheme, are available here.