Both the Fodder Transport Scheme and the Fodder Import Scheme will stop accepting applications after 30 April.
Fianna Fáil deputies Jackie Cahill and Charlie McConalogue have called on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to extend the time limit for the scheme.
At the beginning of April Minister Creed announced €1.5m in funding to help support the importation of fodder under the Fodder Import Scheme.
Fodder is still being imported in certain parts of the country
In addition, a Fodder Transport Scheme has been available to farmers since January, however uptake of that scheme has been low with just 45 applications to date.
“Fodder is still being imported in certain parts of the country, it’s going to be needed for another week to two weeks and can you confirm that you will extend the scheme to enable that?” Deputy McConalogue asked the Minister.
McConalogue also requested the Minister Creed act on a private members motion that was voted through in the Dáil, to introduce a hardship fund and a meal voucher scheme to support farmers experiencing fodder and finance issues as a result of extended spring.
The solution
In response, Minister Creed stated: “We will continue to observe and respond accordingly and see if it is considered that it is required to extend the Fodder Scheme.
“I appreciate that the deputies will be aware that all of the indicators are in terms of grass growth in the past week has been significantly ahead and that is ultimately the solution to the fodder crisis.”
