Teagasc assessments on whether there are significant fodder shortages in specific areas are ongoing, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The spokesperson emphasised that the Fodder Transport Support Measure introduced by the department last month is a “very targeted and locally focused measure, centring on areas of fodder scarcity where normal local trading in fodder cannot service”.
‘Not county specific’
Yesterday, it was confirmed that the scheme is not county specific, despite the areas identified by Teagasc as being most affected being located predominantly in areas of the west and north-west of the country.
But, applicants must meet certain criteria, the spokesperson explained.
Farmers – in a locality having being identified by Teagasc as having a fodder shortage – having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards offsetting the costs of transport of fodder.
“The scheme provides for a financial contribution to offset transport costs of hay, silage and straw for feeding, where this involves a distance of more than 100km.
“This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8/bale and €12/bale of standard fodder towards the additional cost of transporting it from the east and south of the country to the affected areas of the west and north-west. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way.
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“To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100km will apply,” the spokesperson said.
Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and department contact details, are available on the department’s website. The fodder situation continues to be monitored by the department.