MINISTER HAS TO ACT ON TEAGASC FODDER SURVEY

MINISTER HAS TO ACT ON TEAGASC FODDER SURVEY

Today’s meeting of the Fodder Action Group in Sligo confirmed that over 85% of farmers surveyed in the region have, on average, less than half of the fodder they need for the winter.

The Action Group was established by the Minister following a meeting with IFA last week.

IFA Padraic Joyce said, “These figures are very stark and the fodder shortages are placing a huge strain on farmers. The information gathered by Teagasc requires immediate action from the Minister who must bring forward measures to help those farmers who urgently need support to avert a crisis”.

He called on Teagasc to quantify the type and volume of feed and fodder required in the north-west region, and to identify if there is any surplus in the rest of the country.

In a meeting with the Minister last week, the IFA delegation set out the supports needed to alleviate the problem, including animal feed vouchers and a transport subsidy.