Mayo farmers to benefit from new fodder support measure

A Fodder Transport Support Measure has been introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.

In many of these cases the delayed turn out to grass because of the very poor ground conditions has meant that some farmers are now running out of fodder.

Teagasc analysis has shown that fodder remains available across the country, but there is a significant additional cost to farmers where fodder has to be transported over significant distance to areas where it is most needed.

A key issue to resolve is the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is plentiful and those where it is scarce.

Welcoming the news, Mayo TD Alan Dillon said: "This measure adds to assistance already introduced in the form of a pause on all non-essential inspections, similar pauses have been announced by the HSA and Bord Bia.

"There is also a co-ordination of advisory support to farmers by Teagasc to facilitate fodder transfers and advice over the recent period.

"A financial contribution is being provided to offset transport costs of hay, fodder beet, straw and silage for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 75km.

"Farmers will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards offsetting the costs of transport of fodder.

“The announcement is very welcome, especially for farmers in Mayo who have struggled with heavy rain and difficult weather conditions, including the recent Storm Kathleen.

"This is a solid first step in offering practical support to the farming community at a very tough time.

"Farmers are under pressure for fodder and storage, while ground conditions are appalling. Everything is a worry and it’s easy to feel isolated and alone.”

Deputy Dillon noted application forms will be available on the Departments website shortly. Completed applications are to be submitted to the following address: Fodder Transport Support Measure, Direct Payments Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, or by email to foddertransportmeasure@agriculture.gov.ie

Fodder is currently being traded between farms and the support measure being announced today is targeted at those who most need it without impacting on the normal functioning of the market for fodder.

The co-op structure will be supporting the practical implementation of this measure.