Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced on Wednesday that his department had secured €4.25m in Exchequer funding to support fodder imports.

At a rate of €50/t, the allocation represents 85,000t of imported forage. By contrast, the €1.5m scheme opened in April at a slightly higher rate per tonne covered at 20,000t.

Hay, haylage, maize or grass silage and alfalfa brought into Ireland between 12 August and the end of this year are among eligible products, with prior approval from the Department required. Shipments from Northern Ireland are excluded.

Minister Creed said he was introducing the measure for the second time this year “in light of the recent severe drought conditions and their impact on an already difficult fodder situation”.

Farmers must source the fodder from co-ops and registered importers. Those suppliers will receive the transport contribution directly from the Department and must clearly discount its value from the price charged to farmers.

IFA president Joe Healy acknowledged the measure as “important” and said: “Some co-ops and merchants have identified available fodder abroad and this allows them to put their plans in place.”

He also called for the roll-out of low-cost loans and further clarifications on GLAS flexibilities.

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No co-ops or merchants paid fodder scheme money