Fianna Fáil has launched a 10-point plan to combat the fodder shortage facing Irish farmers this winter. In it, access to credit and ways to alleviate pressures feature prominently.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Fianna Fáil spokesperson for agriculture Charlie McConalogue criticised the response from Government so far, saying it has not been enough. He said the Government were in denial in the spring and last winter and was in danger of being so again following tough conditions.
The plan calls for:
A nationally financed hardship fund to help farmers severely impacted and who have no alternative access to credit. The Government to introduce a low-cost fodder and income crisis loan to help farmers pay down debts.The immediate opening of the €25m Brexit loan scheme for farmers announced in October 2017.All 2018 payments to be issued swiftly as farmers face mounting cashflow problems.Minister Creed to convene the beef forum immediately and make it clear to factories the shortage should not be used to drop prices.Work to be commenced on the introduction of a €200 cow suckler payment.All avenues to increase live exports for cattle to be used. Changes to be made to the EU’s state aid de minimis regulations, raising the limit to €25,000 per producer for three years.Alliances to be built at EU level to seek approval for a temporary suspension of the EU’s import tariff on fertilisers. The next CAP to provide a mechanism that compensates farmers more efficiently in the event of extreme weather conditions.In a statement about the launch of the plan, McConalogue said that while Minister Creed had secured some flexibilities they were only token gestures compared to other countries.
He said: “The Swedish government is helping its struggling farmers by allocating €117 million to cover feed shortages for livestock and income loss. Germany is committing over €300 million to its farmers in supports."
Read more
Listen: ‘We need to keep the spotlight on the factories’
Fianna Fáil has launched a 10-point plan to combat the fodder shortage facing Irish farmers this winter. In it, access to credit and ways to alleviate pressures feature prominently.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Fianna Fáil spokesperson for agriculture Charlie McConalogue criticised the response from Government so far, saying it has not been enough. He said the Government were in denial in the spring and last winter and was in danger of being so again following tough conditions.
The plan calls for:
A nationally financed hardship fund to help farmers severely impacted and who have no alternative access to credit. The Government to introduce a low-cost fodder and income crisis loan to help farmers pay down debts.The immediate opening of the €25m Brexit loan scheme for farmers announced in October 2017.All 2018 payments to be issued swiftly as farmers face mounting cashflow problems.Minister Creed to convene the beef forum immediately and make it clear to factories the shortage should not be used to drop prices.Work to be commenced on the introduction of a €200 cow suckler payment.All avenues to increase live exports for cattle to be used. Changes to be made to the EU’s state aid de minimis regulations, raising the limit to €25,000 per producer for three years.Alliances to be built at EU level to seek approval for a temporary suspension of the EU’s import tariff on fertilisers. The next CAP to provide a mechanism that compensates farmers more efficiently in the event of extreme weather conditions.In a statement about the launch of the plan, McConalogue said that while Minister Creed had secured some flexibilities they were only token gestures compared to other countries.
He said: “The Swedish government is helping its struggling farmers by allocating €117 million to cover feed shortages for livestock and income loss. Germany is committing over €300 million to its farmers in supports."
Read more
Listen: ‘We need to keep the spotlight on the factories’
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