Fodder from France to be distributed to farmers

The first consignments of hay sourced in France in a bid to alleviate the current fodder crisis will be distributed to farmers over the weekend, the Irish Farmers’ Assocation has confirmed.

IFA president John Bryan said co-ops, marts and merchants in the western counties began distributing the hay today.

Mr Bryan, who travelled to Alencon in the Normandy region of France earlier this week to oversee the loading of the hay, said: “Our priority at this stage is to get fodder to those areas in the country where ground conditions are still difficult and there isn’t enough grass for cattle.”

Speaking at Rosslare harbour as the first loads were landed, Mr Bryan said the delivery was timely as good quality hay from the UK was running short.

“The heavy rain and lower temperatures in recent days will have an ongoing impact on farms. Further supplies will arrive in the coming days with co-ops, marts and merchants booking over 3,500 tonnes for their customers.”

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney last month announced a €1 million scheme to fund the transport costs of importing fodder as concerns grew about the escalating crisis.

Worries over the lack of fodder are taking their toll on some farmers with reports of a number of suicides linked to the crisis. The severe winter meant farmers ran out of hay and silage much quicker than normal and grass growth has been very poor.

Mr Bryan today welcomed the Government’s decision to broaden the transport subsidy scheme, making it available to co-ops, marts and merchants.