MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE Simon Coveney had said that some 2,000 loads of imported fodder have been transported to farms suffering food shortages as part of a scheme that has been running over the last number of weeks.
The Fodder Transport Scheme was extended by a further two weeks on 10 May and the fund for the transport subsidy was doubled to €2 million following discussions with Met Éireann, Teagasc and officials working on the ground.
Today Coveney said that by the end of the week over 30,000 tonnes of fodder will have been transported to farms suffering shortages due to our harsh winter this year. He also announced that “as an exceptional measure”, any definite purchases that have been placed by this Friday and will be delivered during the following week will also be included under the scheme.
The minister explained that those wishing to avail of this option would have to submit documentary and financial evidence of firm purchases to his department, by close of business this coming Friday.
Where the department is satisfied with the documentation submitted, it will grant approval to cover that fodder under the scheme provided it is delivered during the following week.
Though there has been a slight improvement in the overall weather conditions in the east and south of the country there was considerable rain in the west and north-west over the weekend.
Coveney said that while the forecast for the next week is more positive, and the department is focusing on the emergency situation in the short-term, it is now also important to look at growing and conserving fodder for next winter.
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