Ireland's farmers demand an emergency meeting over recent drought

Head of the Irish Farmers’ Association Francie Gorman said the “unprecedented lack of rain” has led to a very tough harvest for those involved in tillage.

He now wants the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to reconvene for a meeting on the situation.

Mr Gorman said the Irish farmers’ workload is increasing to the point where they are unable to get a break.

He said Ireland is experiencing a shifted climate pattern, something which needs action from the Government so it does not become an annual crisis.

Mr Gorman said he agreed with the Government that there is currently no shortage of food for animals.

However, he said that the lack of rain over the summer months is something which is becoming an ever-increasing worry for farmers.

He added that there is a major “cost issue” on dry stock farms.

These are farms that raise livestock for meat or wool rather than for milk.

They are sustained by the livestock grazing the land.

Mr Gorman said tillage farms have also experienced a “very tough harvest”.

He added: “I think at a time too when farmers would normally be expecting the workload to maybe diminish, we’re now heading into full winter feed mode, so you’re looking at a huge burden being placed on farmers at a time when they would have been hoping to get away.”

The IFA boss said there is a serious need for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to meet.

He explained how proactive measures ought to be taken to make sure farmers do not need to scramble for animal feed in the winter after using their end-of-year stockpile early due to the consistently dry weather.

IFA President Francie Gorman.

Mr Gorman added: “I do think the cost issue has to be addressed. We do need a proper assessment done, and we need that publicized.

“I think unquestionably we’re in an era of different climate patterns and how we provide for greater buffers of feed even during the summer and not just the winter months is something that needs to be looked at.”

He said a European Commission fertilizer action plan, published in May of this year, must be backed by the Government.

In a statement at the time, the European Commission said: “Farmers across Europe are under increasing pressure due to recent supply disruptions and price volatility.

“The fertilizer action plan will help to ensure food security by supporting farmers and improving their access to fertilizers. 

“Specifically, the Commission will deliver exceptional financial support; present a new liquidity scheme to help with cash flow; provide stronger incentives for more efficient farming practices; support farmers in achieving better nutrient management and propose measures to facilitate the use of digestates.”

Regarding the plan, Mr Gorman added: “That needs to be supported to the maximum co-funding level to give that buffer of cash flow.”

A Department of Agriculture spokeswoman said: “The Department recognizes the impact that the ongoing drought is having on farms and continues to monitor the situation.

“Grass growth for the current year as monitored by Teagasc was 5% above the five-year average up until the end of July.

“Teagasc has commenced data collection for its comprehensive fodder survey. As in previous years, the survey will assess fodder stocks ahead of the coming winter.

“The results will be available later this month.”

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.