Commission sets aside feed rules

IRISH farmers can use the animal feed grown on set-aside land before the usual deadline, the European Commission has decided.

Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said many farmers have been seriously affected by the dry weather across Europe and the EU needs to help.

“This year has seen some of the hottest weather on record. It makes no sense to allow perfectly useable feed to go to waste,” she said.

Normally, farmers would have to wait until August 31 to harvest fodder grown on set-aside. But due to the recent heatwave, the animal feed growing on these areas would dry up before it could be used. However, the actual sale of fodder produced will still not be allowed.

The decision brings to 14 the number of member states allowed to use fodder early from set-aside land. Each country has had to present its case using justifications based on scientific data. Nine states (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy and Sweden) got authorisation on July 27.

The latest decision affects a further five countries: Ireland, the Netherlands, Britain, Denmark and Slovenia.

AIB has pledged to help farmers who are having difficulties due to the impact of the weather.

Prolonged wet weather in May forced many farmers to buy last year’s fodder. The recent dry period severely stunted grass growth in many areas. AIB has said it will take a flexible approach in helping farmers to find solutions to financial problems.