Fodder situation is 'dire' and 'can no longer be ignored' as farmers call for 'emergency response'
Mr McNamara said the inability of drystock farmers to access credit is a "major factor in the current crisis".
The situation is currently "dire" and "can no longer be ignored" farmers have said, as they call for an "emergency response" to the ongoing difficulties facing agriculture due to heavy rainfall.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has said that the convening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee taking place on Friday is necessary.
ICSA president Sean McNamara said that "with any hope of an early spring well and truly dashed and any fodder reserves dwindling fast, it is clear this committee needs to rapidly reassess the current situation on the ground".
“Crops are not going in the ground and cattle cannot be put out to graze due to saturated ground conditions," Mr McNamara said.
"Ensuring the resilience of farms and the wellbeing of farm families in the coming weeks is paramount.”
Mr McNamara said the inability of drystock farmers to access credit is a "major factor in the current crisis".
“The reality is we have a financial crisis as well as a fodder crisis. If farmers need to access credit in order to feed livestock, then there needs to be flexibility shown from lenders and co-ops alike," he explained.
"The Government needs to get real on securing greater flexibility on short-term finance for all farmers.
"The time for talking around the difficulties facing farmers is over and we want to see real action in the form of initiatives that will offer immediate assistance to farmers.
"This must include guarantees around access to short-term credit for all farmers, the provision of emergency meal vouchers, the establishment of a fodder support scheme, and the curtailment of inspections.”
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue confirmed on Tuesday that he had requested a meeting of the committee to be held in recognition of ongoing and challenging weather conditions.
"Grass growth over the winter period has yielded strong pasture covers on farms, however, difficult weather conditions are delaying or restricting turnout," Mr McConalogue said.
"The challenge is more pronounced in certain parts of the country particularly where early grazing is a key management tool."
The minister said that Teagasc has advised that silage is available to purchase, and that some farmers had included the option of purchasing fodder in their winter feed budgeting plans.
