IFA Calls on Government to Act as Dry Spell Threatens Winter Feed Supplies
The President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman, has urged the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to meet urgently as an extended dry spell puts pressure on winter feed stocks. Speaking on Morning Ireland, Gorman warned that the lack of rain in parts of the country for up to two months could force farmers to dip into reserves meant for the colder months, creating a cost crisis on dry stock and tillage farms alike.
What is the current situation for Irish farmers?
Gorman acknowledged that the Department of Agriculture reports no immediate shortage of animal feed, but he stressed the situation is changing fast. “We’ve had very little rain in some parts of the country for probably up to two months and there is an issue in certain parts of the country,” he said. The IFA leader described the weather as an “unprecedented lack of rain,” which has left tillage farmers with a “very tough harvest” and dry stock farms facing major cost pressures.
Why is the National Fodder and Food Security Committee needed now?
Gorman called for the NFFSC to reconvene to assess the situation and ensure proactive measures are in place. “I do think the cost issue has to be addressed,” he said, noting that while there is no national fodder shortage, feed may need to be “moved from A to B” to balance regional gaps. He emphasized the need for a transparent public assessment: “We do need a proper assessment done and we need that to be publicised.”
How are climate change and global events affecting farmers?
Gorman linked the current crisis to broader climate patterns, saying, “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 also backed the European Commission’s fertiliser action plan, triggered by soaring prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran War. “That needs to be supported to the maximum co-funding level to give that buffer of cashflow on farms,” he added.
What is the farming sector’s stance on emissions?
Gorman acknowledged the farming industry’s role in climate change, noting it is responsible for 40% of Ireland’s emissions. “While we’re responsible for 40% of the emissions as a sector, we have very little heavy industry to offset that,” he said. He argued the sector will “go further than any other in meeting emission targets,” but stressed the need for proactive measures at farm level. “It comes back down to how we can be proactive, how do we deal with this situation today?”
What happens if the committee does not meet soon?
Gorman warned of a worsening scenario if action is delayed. “If you were asking me three weeks ago what the situation was, I would say we’re not in a really dire situation yet, but today that has changed,” he said. He urged farmers to avoid a worse position in six to eight weeks when autumn sets in and grass growth stalls. “Maybe we won’t be able to provide the fodder immediately that we need, so if we can get the committee to meet, we need to assess the situation and let farmers know it’s fine if the department know what the situation is, but you communicate that to the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and that needs to be done straight away.”
Frequently asked questions about the fodder crisis
Is there an immediate shortage of animal feed in Ireland?
According to the Department of Agriculture and the IFA, there is no current shortage of animal feed nationwide. However, regional disparities and the prolonged dry spell could create localised issues if proactive measures are not taken.
What is the National Fodder and Food Security Committee?
The NFFSC is a government body that monitors and coordinates responses to fodder and food security issues in Ireland. The IFA is calling for it to meet urgently to assess the dry weather impact and recommend actions.
How will climate change affect Irish farming long-term?
Francie Gorman highlighted that changing climate patterns require farmers to build greater feed buffers, even during summer months. The sector is also committed to meeting emission targets, though it faces unique challenges due to limited heavy industry.