ICMSA is advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive fodder support scheme
Source: The DairyNews
The Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) is advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive fodder support scheme encompassing all farming sectors in response to what it terms an "exceptionally long and wet winter," which has led to prolonged housing of livestock.
According to ICMSA President Denis Drennan, the prolonged winter has inflicted considerable financial and personal strain on farmers, exacerbating cash flow issues and causing delays in essential farm tasks across various sectors.
Given the extended housing period, with cattle confined since September in many regions and since early October in most areas, ICMSA is urging Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to swiftly introduce a fodder support scheme that caters to the needs of all farmers.
Referencing the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme, which aimed to incentivize increased fodder production, particularly among drystock farmers, Drennan emphasized the necessity for this year's scheme to be inclusive of all farmers. He condemned the exclusion of dairy farmers from the previous scheme as "unfair and unacceptable" and stressed the need for equitable support across dairy, beef, sheep, and tillage sectors.
Drennan urged Minister McConalogue to demonstrate government recognition of the challenges faced by farmers and provide immediate assistance through the proposed fodder support scheme. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and solidarity, highlighting the need for government support to mirror the community's mutual assistance during difficult times.
Furthermore, Drennan called for a temporary suspension of inspections, acknowledging the exceptional weather and ground conditions that farmers are contending with. This gesture, he argued, would demonstrate understanding and empathy toward farmers grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
As the farming community grapples with the aftermath of an arduous winter, ICMSA's call for a comprehensive fodder support scheme underscores the pressing need for government intervention to alleviate financial strain and safeguard agricultural livelihoods across all sectors.
Given the extended housing period, with cattle confined since September in many regions and since early October in most areas, ICMSA is urging Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to swiftly introduce a fodder support scheme that caters to the needs of all farmers.
Referencing the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme, which aimed to incentivize increased fodder production, particularly among drystock farmers, Drennan emphasized the necessity for this year's scheme to be inclusive of all farmers. He condemned the exclusion of dairy farmers from the previous scheme as "unfair and unacceptable" and stressed the need for equitable support across dairy, beef, sheep, and tillage sectors.
Drennan urged Minister McConalogue to demonstrate government recognition of the challenges faced by farmers and provide immediate assistance through the proposed fodder support scheme. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and solidarity, highlighting the need for government support to mirror the community's mutual assistance during difficult times.
Furthermore, Drennan called for a temporary suspension of inspections, acknowledging the exceptional weather and ground conditions that farmers are contending with. This gesture, he argued, would demonstrate understanding and empathy toward farmers grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
As the farming community grapples with the aftermath of an arduous winter, ICMSA's call for a comprehensive fodder support scheme underscores the pressing need for government intervention to alleviate financial strain and safeguard agricultural livelihoods across all sectors.
