A total of 14 co-ops and importers have been approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Fodder Import Support Measure.
Last week, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced that some €1.5 million was allocated towards the introduction of the measure – which aims to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage, etc) from outside the island of Ireland.
When the terms and conditions of the measure were published, it was confirmed that the initiative is open to all co-ops and importers of fodder to take part – and not just dairy co-ops.
Also Read: Details of Fodder Import Support Measure confirmedSince Friday (April 6), 14 co-ops and importers have been approved by the department.
- Anglo East Ltd;
- Aurivo Co-operative;
- Centenary Thurles Co-op;
- Clare Marts Ltd;
- Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd;
- Divide Investments T/A Brownes Stores;
- Glanbia Foods Ireland Ltd;
- Kenmare Livestock Mart Co-operative Society Ltd;
- Kerry Agribusiness;
- Lakeland Dairies Co-op Soc. Ltd;
- Lisavaird Co-operative Creamery Ltd;
- Maam Cross Mart T/A Burkes Livestock Mart;
- Newtownsands Co-op;
- Tipperary Co-op Creamery Ltd.
Due to the depletion of forage stocks nationally, participating co-ops or fodder importers will source forage from other EU member states – not including Northern Ireland – and import it into this country, the department explained.
The department will then make a financial contribution to participating co-ops and importers – who have first gained approval to be eligible to take part in the measure – towards the transport costs in the period from April 5, 2018, to April 30, 2018.
A spokesperson for the department said: “Under the Fodder Import Support Measure co-ops or importers apply to participate in the measure, and farmers then purchase fodder directly from approved co-ops or importers.
To date, 14 co-ops and importers have been approved under the measure – the list is available on the department’s website and is updated regularly as new applications are received.
Under the measure, eligible forage is defined as bales of hay, haylage, silage, alfalfa and any other types of forage deemed acceptable to the department.