Ó Cuív calls for farm weather relief

New stocking requirements in the Disadvantaged Area Scheme have forced farmers to buy livestock for land which is in poor condition due to bad weather, leaving many farmers under financial strain, according to Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture Éamon Ó Cuív.

He asked Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to drop the new requirements, and introduce a feed subsidy scheme in farming areas worst affected by weather.

“Farming by its nature is an uncertain business and farmers normally accept the ups and downs of farming as a matter of course. However, every now and again a ‘perfect storm’ occurs and when this happens it is necessary for the Government to take swift and comprehensive action. This summer is one of those occasions and by acting now the Government can prevent a disaster in the farming community,” said Mr Ó Cuív.