Response needed to support farmers through weather difficulties

Following a meeting of IFA’s National Council last week, IFA President Francie Gorman said a co-ordinated response is needed to support farmers through the prolonged weather difficulties.

He said the decision by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to convene a meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee this week is important to ensure a co-ordinated approach.

“Farmers have grass in their fields, but they cannot access it because of the wet ground conditions. Tillage farmers cannot get onto their land to plant their crops,” he said.

“Everybody in the sector needs to pull together to alleviate the extreme pressures on farmers at the moment. The incessant rainfall and shocking ground conditions are adding hugely to costs and stress levels for farmers.”

“At this meeting of our National Council, there was an unanimous view that the unprecedented weather conditions need a co-ordinated a response from the Department and all relevant agencies. Banks, processors and input suppliers need to support farmers to carry them through this period,” he said.