The Fodder Import Scheme can be used to import fodder from Britain but not Northern Ireland, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has confirmed.

Responding to a parliamentary question on the issue from deputy Brendan Smith, Minister Creed said: “I extended the fodder transport measure to all counties and also introduced a Fodder Import Support Measure, to ensure that there was adequate fodder available to feed the national herd.

“This measure was introduced on 5 April to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage [hay, silage, haylage etc.] from outside the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland is excluded.”

However, the Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan Brendan Smith has stated that he’s been told that fodder is available in NI, and the scheme should be extended to help farmers in the border counties.

“I understand substantial quantities of fodder are coming in from Northern Ireland. The transport subsidy is not available for the transport of that fodder,” Smith said.

“It is wrong that co-operatives sourcing product outside our jurisdiction are not entitled to the subsidy for transporting it to where it is needed. I have been told about this by people working in the co-operatives and by well-informed members of the farming community.”

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