The government is being called on to renew support for measures promoting multi-species swards (MSS) and red clover amid a potential fodder shortage.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine previously ran two schemes incentivising farmers to incorporate MSS and red clover in their grassland.

Those schemes were not offered this year when the applications opened for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).

The department said at the time that the two schemes were under review. Their lack of inclusion among BISS options was criticised by farm organisations.

Now, with concerns mounting that farmers will face serious fodder shortages during the winter months because of a considerable spell of drought, the department is being urged to advance its review of the two schemes.

Senator Victor Boyhan, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food, said: "Drought tolerant clovers like red clover present a major opportunity in sustaining forage yields especially during dry summer months when standard grass pastures stall," he said.

Senator Boyhan told Agriland that he was seeking greater clarity on "the benefits, costs and plans being advanced by the department and Teagasc on information exchange and promotion plans for the greater use of...MSS and red clover measures to support greater sustainable options, outcomes and indeed profits for farmers".

"Forage is vital to higher milk or meat yields and in turn profitable farming, so opportunities around MSS must be pursued with greater intensity," he added.

Red clover is generally seen as more drought resistant than other grasses, with Boyhan saying it is "a top agricultural choice for dry land conditions which is now a growing challenge for many farmers".

"Using clovers to improve both animal and sward production and reduce chemical [nitrogen] fertiliser use are opportunities for farmers that need to be supported," he added.

Boyhan told Agriland that he has written to the chairperson of the Oireachtas agriculture committee, TD Aindrias Moynihan, to request that the committee put the MSS and red clover schemes, which are currently not operating, on the committee's agenda when it reconvenes in September.

"Teagasc has done a great deal of research into clovers. It's important now that a proactive strategy is agreed, based on the science, to assist farmers to realise the enormous benefits of growing more diverse sward mixes," the senator said.