Calls are mounting for the Department of Agriculture to launch its planned fodder relief scheme as the extent of farm problems is revealed.

The urgency of the situation on farms was highlighted by numerous TDs in a Dáil debate on Tuesday night.

Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson Charlie McConalogue accused the Government of “walking us into another fodder crisis” by failing to take action on the issue.

He called on Minister Michael Creed to immediately establish a fund for affected farmers.

“The situation that farmers are dealing with now is almost the exact same as 2012 when the then government was forced into action.

“The Minister’s refusal to acknowledge the reality on the ground is a clear indictment of just how out of touch this Government is with small farmers and rural Ireland.”

He added that the situation is particularly bad in the northwest and west, but fodder shortages have now spread to the border counties, midlands and midwest.

Fund needed

Fianna Fáil’s Anne Rabbitte added: “We seriously need a fund immediately. We can’t have you kicking the can…We will have animals dying because farmers can’t afford to feed them.”

Responding, Minister Creed said he believed that there was enough to meet Irish demand, but that there may be surplus in some areas, while other areas were short on fodder.

IFA president Joe Healy described his response as “blasé”, insisting that there is an urgent need for a scheme.

“Minister Creed should get on with it and introduce one immediately. Farmers, who are under extreme pressure, expect a strong response from the Minister and the Government.”

An informal survey of farmers in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim by Teagasc adviser Cian Condon revealed that, on average, cattle farmers had just 46% of the fodder they require for the coming winter. Individual farmer’s situations ranged from 8% to 68% of needs.

Both Teagasc and Aurivo are conducting fodder surveys and clinics across the region.

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