Minister discusses farming crisis amid severe drought
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon held urgent talks with key farm bodies to address the mounting challenges caused by persistent dry weather. The meeting focused on securing fodder supplies and financial support for farmers in the hardest-hit eastern and southern regions.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 1 min read
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, convened a critical meeting with Teagasc and leading farm organisations to confront the ongoing impact of the severe dry spell on Irish farming.
Acknowledging the intense pressure on farmers, particularly across the east and south, Minister Heydon stressed the importance of completing and regularly updating fodder budgets via Pasturebase Ireland or through advisors. He emphasised that careful planning is essential to ensure adequate winter feed stocks and mitigate further hardship.
In response to the crisis, Minister Heydon has requested that Mike Magan, Chair of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, organise an imminent meeting of the Committee, which includes representatives from government, farming bodies, banks, and industry stakeholders. This forum aims to provide up-to-date information on fodder availability and clear guidance for farmers. The Minister also urged farmers experiencing cash flow difficulties to proactively engage with their banks, merchants, and co-operatives. While the Government remains committed to supporting the sector, further assistance and flexibility measures will be considered as part of Budget 2027 once the full impact is assessed. Farmers are encouraged to seek advice and support from their advisors and farm organisations during this anxious period.
Acknowledging the intense pressure on farmers, particularly across the east and south, Minister Heydon stressed the importance of completing and regularly updating fodder budgets via Pasturebase Ireland or through advisors. He emphasised that careful planning is essential to ensure adequate winter feed stocks and mitigate further hardship.
In response to the crisis, Minister Heydon has requested that Mike Magan, Chair of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, organise an imminent meeting of the Committee, which includes representatives from government, farming bodies, banks, and industry stakeholders. This forum aims to provide up-to-date information on fodder availability and clear guidance for farmers. The Minister also urged farmers experiencing cash flow difficulties to proactively engage with their banks, merchants, and co-operatives. While the Government remains committed to supporting the sector, further assistance and flexibility measures will be considered as part of Budget 2027 once the full impact is assessed. Farmers are encouraged to seek advice and support from their advisors and farm organisations during this anxious period.
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