Fianna Fáil have called for an emergency meeting of the agriculture committee to discuss the impending fodder crisis. They have called for urgent steps to be taken to avert a disastrous winter.

Spokesperson for agriculture, Charlie McConalogue said: “It is already clear that farmers are facing into a winter with fodder stocks at a unprecedented low level.

"Many are already experiencing serious cashflow problems and while the announcement of an extension to the slurry and fertiliser deadlines is welcome, it doesn’t go far enough.”

He accused Creed of waiting till the last minute to act on the fodder crisis despite months of prior warning.

Grave situation

Deputy Jackie Cahill has said the situation is so grave that TDs must be afforded the opportunity to discuss Minister Creed’s plans with him. He said immediate action from the minister was essential ahead of the October budget.

“We need to see an immediate fodder import subsidy up and running and action from the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia to drive increased live exports to help reduce the demand on depleted fodder stocks. So far, Minister Creed’s response has been totally inadequate," he concluded.

Preparation needed to prevent fodder emergency – Fianna Fáil

Strong cross-party support for motion on fodder

'We need to see a fodder import subsidy up and running' – Fianna Fáil TD

Fianna Fáil has said the agriculture committee must reconvene for an emergency meeting to discuss Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed's plans to deal with the current fodder shortage.