The national fodder and food security committee will meet on Friday morning at 11am, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said.
It follows calls from farming organisations including the IFA, ICMSA, ICSA and Macra to reconvene the committee immediately as the effects of ongoing drought put increasing pressure on farmers.
The Minister also said the Government will assess farming organisations’ calls for farm fodder supports once the full picture of the nationwide availability of feed becomes clearer.
The Minister has emphasised the importance of farmers completing a fodder budget to understand what actions need to be taken at farm level, regionally and nationally.
Preliminary data from PastureBase Ireland (PBI) and the wider Teagasc fodder survey has revealed that almost 40% of farms are short of fodder.
The current situation is increasing costs on farms affected by drought and as a result the Minister is urging farmers to talk to their banks, merchants and co-ops on any cash flow concerns.
The Minister acknowledged that it is a stressful time for farmers in regions most affected by the drought.
He encourages farmers to reach out for support to their advisors, farm organisations or other supports.
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