Commenting, the Minister said: “Due to the difficult spring and localised fodder shortages, I introduced the Fodder Transport Support Measure. I was acutely aware of the pressure farmers were under and the increased costs as a result of having to move fodder over longer distances.
“I’m pleased to announce that payments will issue to co-operatives in the coming days and these payments will then be passed onto farmers who applied for and have been accepted into the scheme. I would like to thank the co-operatives for working with my department to ensure that farmers were supported at a difficult time.”
The movement of 48,132 bales and 19,114 tonnes of fodder has been supported by this measure, with 24 co-operatives participating in the scheme. Payments totalling €2.1m will issue to 669 farmers through their co-ops in the coming days.
“I would actively encourage any farmers who have not yet completed a fodder budget to do so to ensure that they have adequate fodder supplies on hand for the coming winter. Where shortages are identified it allows farmers, in consultation with their advisors, to put in place a plan for the coming winter”
Payments will issue to the co-operatives along with a detailed breakdown of the eligible farmers for payment following the completion of the relevant verification checks and inspections.