The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has been called on to reconvene the Fodder Action Group to sort out the "many inconsistencies" in the fodder subsidy scheme by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).

INHFA president Colm O'Donnell has said that the association has written to the Minister and the chair of the stakeholders committee to request an immediate meeting to address the many problems within the scheme.

O’Donnell also outlined that a number of core principles have been breached as regards the workings of the fodder scheme, which include:

  • Square bales have been excluded from aid under the scheme, which discriminates against many farmers in designated areas who can only feed small square bales of hay to out-wintered stock where feeding round bales in ring feeders is not allowed.
  • The minister has ignored the unanimous recommendation by the stakeholders action group that a meal voucher scheme be put in place.
  • Local licensed hauliers who traditionally source and supply fodder for farmers in the northwest have been sidelined, forcing their traditional customers to turn their back and deal with co-operatives.
  • A 100km zone has been created which rules out sourcing quality fodder within the region.

    • "We need a response to our request from Minister Creed before next Tuesday 6 February when INHFA national council will decide if further action is required on behalf of our members."

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