The Department of Agriculture will financially support the import of fodder and fodder imports will have a role to play in resolving the current fodder shortfalls on farms, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said on Sunday.

Speaking at the Tullamore Show, Minister Creed that the Department will work out the details on supporting such imports in due course.

“Obviously, as in the past, imports will have a role to play and the Department will support financially the importation of fodder.

“It would be wrong to believe that the importation of fodder will resolve this issue on its own. It will play a part but the biggest part and the most cost-effective solution for farmers will be in maximising the opportunities that are there [on farms] for fodder conservation,” he said.

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Minister Creed acknowledged that 2018 has been a very difficult challenge for farm families in the context of the weather.

He announced that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing will be extending the deadline for the application of chemical fertiliser from mid-September to the end of September and the deadline for the application of organic manures from mid-October to the end of October.

“I think that gives us an opportunity to maximise the growing season and to conserve additional fodder.

“I would also urge the farming community to avail of the opportunities in the context of the announced tillage initiative in terms of growing fodder crops between now and the next number of weeks.

“Our overwhelming emphasis in the context of dealing with this challenge has been to maximise the growing opportunities, to close the gap in terms of the shortfall in fodder that is there,” he said.

Brexit

In his speech, Minister Creed touched on Brexit, saying that the UK will leave the European Union in March of next year.

“I just want to assure you that because of the significance of the agricultural community in our economy and our unique exposure to the UK market relative to any other member state of the European Union, we are engaged at all of the strategic and appropriate levels to ensure that our voice is heard, our needs are understood and that we attempt to secure the best possible outcome.”

On the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Minister Creed said the main concern in relation to the reform is the proposed cut in the CAP budget of 5%.

“Europe has many challenges … security, migration are really important issues. The point that we would make forcefully is, that we acknowledge they are key and critical issues, but they are not a reason to raid the budget of a successful Common Agricultural Policy.

“We have clearly indicated as a Government that we are prepared to pay more into that budget to ensure that the CAP is fit for purpose.”

Strength-to-strength

Speaking at the official launch of the Tullamore Show, chair of the show committee Brenda Kiernan said that the show has grown from strength to strength since 1991.

“The success of the Tullamore Show has ensured its place as one of Ireland’s premier attractions.

“The show would not take place without a number of supportive and dedicated people who work tirelessly year in, year out. We had 600 volunteers this year and the show could not take place without them.”