Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has remained “idle and done nothing to avert the disaster that will affect farmers in Ireland this year” after what has been an “unusually wet summer”.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson and Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív, who is calling on Minister Coveney to advance part of the Single Payment scheme introduce a feed subsidy scheme; provide low interest loans to farmers; and withdraw the new stocking requirements imposed this year, to help farmers following the bad weather.
“Farming by its nature is an uncertain business and farmers accept these ups and downs,” said Dep Ó Cuív. “However, every now and again a ‘perfect storm’ occurs and when this happens it is necessary for the Government to take swift and comprehensive action. This summer is one of those occasions and by acting now the Government can prevent a disaster in the farming community.”
Dep Ó Cuív wants to see Minister Coveney introduce a number of actions such as introducing a feed subsidy scheme directed at the worst affected farmers and areas; to pay 70 per cent of the Single Payment rather than 50 per cent in the advance this year; and that farmers would be “informed immediately” of their 2011 super levy penalties to allow dairy companies pay out money held back under last year’s super levy scheme.
Dep Ó Cuív also wants to see Minister Coveney arrange with the financial institutions low interest loans for farmers to hold stock and buy feed. “Decisions on applications be speedy and there should be a minimum amount of paper work involved,” he said.
