Rise in farm payment schemes to tackle fodder shortages

Farm payments will increase from 70% to 75% under various schemes to help alleviate fodder shortages, according to the Department of Agriculture. The Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability scheme (CRISS), and Eco Scheme will see the increase, while the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will also see more flexibility.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon announced the change, stating that it will assist farmers with cash flow, particularly those facing higher costs. Dr. Stan Lawlor, Director of Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, emphasized the importance of farmers engaging with supports and acting early to source feed. The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met to present data on the situation, revealing that around 30% of Irish farmers are at high risk of running out of fodder supplies by winter, with the southeast being the most affected.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president, Dennis Drennan, called for a transport scheme to move fodder from areas with excess to those with shortages. Irish Farmers' Association president, Francie Gorman, criticized the government's announcement as "underwhelming" and urged for action to conserve winter stocks.