Local Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, has welcomed the launch of a €56m Fodder Support Scheme to provide support to Irish farmer
“Easing the burden on our farm families as a result of the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine has been a key priority of Fianna Fáil in Government. Our response to the increase in agricultural input costs, in particular for chemical fertiliser and the impact that will have on the quantity of fodder produced and conserved for the coming winter, I am delighted to see the launch of the Fodder Support Scheme today. This is a crucial scheme which will assist grow fodder stocks in the country to ensure we have adequate stocks for the winter ahead,” Deputy Troy said.
The Scheme aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay ) for the coming winter to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issue over the coming winter and next spring. Recent survey results by Teagasc show that half of all drystock farmers have spread no chemical Nitrogen fertiliser at all on their silage ground.
“The budget for the Fodder Support Scheme is €56 million with a payment rate of up to €100 per hectare. The scheme will be rolled out as a matter of urgency and I hope there will be strong uptake from farmers,” Deputy Troy added.
The online application system for the Fodder Support Scheme is now open for applications. Farmers wishing to apply for the Fodder Support Scheme can do so either themselves or through their advisor up to the August 2 by logging on to www.agfood.ie
