O’Brien supports actions to assist farmers during adverse weather

Local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heraitge Darragh O’Brien has welcomed moves from Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to pause on all non-essential agricultural inspections until 22nd April in light of the challenging conditions on farms.
 
Minister O’Brien, who has been speaking with numerous farmers in North County Dublin, said it was very clear that farmers sowing spring cereals had been particularly impacted by the weather and were struggling.
 
The Minister acknowledged the commencement of payments under the Horticulture Crisis Fund earlier this year saying they were providing significant supports to growers in Fingal who were negatively impacted by costs and conditions in 2023 but said that more would be needed throughout 2024 as issues persist and costs remain high.
 
Commenting he said: “I am extremely conscious of the pressure on local farm families as a result of the continuing adverse weather conditions. Some supplies are being depleted and this is clearly of serious concern for livestock and tillage farmers. In particular, turning stock out to grass and the sowing of spring cereals has been impacted. 
 
"I welcome the Minister's confirmation that his Department has paused farm inspections that are not specifically required to support payments until 22nd April. Teagasc is also establishing a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.
 
“These supports come off the back of the opening of the €2.38M fund, provided in the form of a once-off payment to horticultural growers most affected by the continued high level of input costs in 2023 and this is also much needed support.
 
“I will continue to advocate for all available supports for impacted farmers in North County Dublin,” he concluded.