Farmers across Laois must be supported in the face of weather conditions that are creating significant pressures on farms, Deputy Charlie Flanagan has said.
The Fine Gael TD’s call comes after a difficult autumn in 2023 and persistent rain this spring have delayed livestock turnout, disrupted spring plantings, and caused difficulties with other fieldwork.
Met Éireann weather stations have recorded significant rainfall with Oak Park showing 110.5 of rainfall in March.
And there is no let up in sight either with Storm Kathleen set to wreak havoc upon us this Saturday.
Deputy Flanagan said: “I know how important agriculture is to the local economy and Fine Gael is committed to delivering for rural Ireland and farmers.
“Right now, weather conditions are hammering farmer morale and we are moving into an unprecedented territory on farms.
“Farmers are acting responsibly but the reality is that the weather is preventing livestock turnout, spring planting, and other fielding right across the country, including across Laois and Offaly.
“This is causing untold stress for farmers who are trying to manage a difficult situation. I welcome the pausing of all non-essential farm inspection until 22 April to provide farmers with breathing space.
“We are in a position where every and all option to support them needs to be considered if these difficult conditions persist.”
Deputy Flanagan called on Government and all actors in the sector to come together to provide a co-ordinated response to the situation facing farmers.
Fine Gael Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said that any measure which could offer a reprieve for farmers until the conditions improve was being looked at.
Minister Heydon said: “No option is off the table here. Last Friday my department convened a meeting of the food and fodder security committee to work through the issues facing farms.
“This committee and its members will continue to provide up-to-date information and advice as the situation develops and will meet again next week.
“In the meantime, we are putting in place a system to coordinate existing feed supplies to ensure any surpluses are available to those struggling.
“We are engaging with financial institutions to emphasise the need for short term finance on farms where cashflow is a difficulty, and in addition to pausing non-essential inspections we are exploring any flexibilities that can be offered around schemes and administration.”
Meanwhile, Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State, welcomes confirmation from his party colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, that his Department has paused farm inspections not specifically required to support payments until April 22.
This is in light of the challenging conditions on farms.
Teagasc has also been asked to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.
Deputy Fleming said: “This is a good move in view of the very wet and bad weather in Laois and nationwide.
“I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farming and local farm families as a result of the continuing adverse weather conditions.
“Fodder supplies are being depleted and this is clearly of serious concern for livestock and tillage farmers. In particular, turning stock out to grass and the sowing of spring cereals has been impacted.
“I welcome the Minister’s confirmation that his Department has paused farm inspections that are not specifically required to support payments until 22nd April.
“Teagasc is also establishing a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.
“Fianna Fáil in Government recognises that farm families need to be supported.
“I will continue to do everything I can to help them, especially through this hugely difficult period of unsettled weather that is becoming increasingly common.”
